Question

as you read, interpret elements of dunbars poem, such as word choice, imagery, and theme, that suggest the poem is an example of naturalism.
the we in the poem refers to oppressed african americans who put on false faces and attitudes. the mask lets them hide their true emotions from white people, and possibly even from each other.
consider how the speaker uses a cynical tone to reveal the poems message.
we wear the mask
by paul laurence dunbar
read this poem several times. highlight examples of word choice, imagery, and tone that suggest naturalism and cynicism. note the theme or themes of the poem.
we wear the mask that grins and lies,
it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,--
this debt we pay to human guile,
with torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
and mouth with myriad subtleties.
--we wear the mask,
paul laurence dunbar
how does the imagery in the first stanza reveal elements of naturalism?
the debt imagery reveals the focus on problems due to economic class.
the imagery describes the actions of an individual as opposed to a larger group.
the mask imagery reflects a conflict related to social environment.
the imagery related to the body suggests the inescapable force of heredity.

Explanation:

Naturalism often focuses on how social and environmental factors affect individuals. The "mask" imagery in the poem can be seen as a symbol related to the social environment (the need for African - Americans to hide their true emotions from a hostile white - dominated society).

Answer:

The mask imagery reflects a conflict related to social environment.