Question

which line from the first stanza of we wear the mask most effectively uses irony to show social conflict?
it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes, because the mask covers many human features.
this debt we pay to human guile, because only those who are clever are able to hide their emotions.
with torn and bleeding hearts we smile, because those humans who are most in pain often cover their hurt and are thus ignored.
and mouth with myriad subtleties, because it is difficult to interpret the many ways humans use their faces to communicate.

Explanation:

Irony is shown here as people in pain smile outwardly. This reflects social conflict as their true suffering is hidden and unacknowledged.

Answer:

C. "With torn and bleeding hearts we smile," because those humans who are most in pain often cover their hurt and are thus ignored.