USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The literary devices used in We Wear the Mask are juxtaposition, repetition of consonant sounds, extended metaphor, and personification.

Detailed explanation-2: -The mask, which represents the false emotions a person might “wear” in front of other people, both smiles and lies-which indicates that the outward appearance of the mask does not match the true emotions that are beneath it. In other words, the people who wear this mask aren’t smiling, and aren’t happy.

Detailed explanation-3: -The repetition of “mask” emphasizes the concept of hiding the truth, while the use of the word “we” shows it to be a collective experience. Themes in the poem include racism, deceit, and resilience.

Detailed explanation-4: -Also, in line 5, we get some alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds) in the words “mouth” and “myriad.” Just like before, the repetition of that M sound helps to accent the words even more and gets us thinking about that mechanical sound of “mouth[ing]” subtleties.

Detailed explanation-5: -"We Wear the Mask, ” a poem written by Paul Laurence Dunbar, uses personification in order to convey that “we” faces internal despair but externally, is forced to cover up pain and exasperation behind a facade of happiness and joy.