We Wear the Mask Analysis

He opted to work as an elevator operator from where he earned money to publish his initial poetic works. This particular poem is a sincere expression of the harbored feeling of suffering from one who experienced racism and slavery first hand. Dunbar talks about a "mask" on the face of the people of his race -Black Americans - and how that mask hides the true feelings of the collective black community, from themselves and from the enslaving White. The persona in the poem is an African-American, man or woman, who is harboring some harsh life experiences through lies and fake smiles that "mask" actual feelings. Dunbar's poem is a moving cry that is filled with a somber mood. In conclusion, the poem abovementioned discusses the theme of slavery and racial discrimination and the feelings attached to the vices.