Short Answer 
“We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar addresses the suppressed emotions and social injustices faced by the African American community post-Civil War, symbolized by a figurative mask. This mask represents both a protective mechanism against racism and a testament to resilience, evolving from a necessity to a proud declaration of strength, allowing individuals to navigate their struggles while maintaining their identity and hope.
Step 1: Introduction to the Poem
“We Wear the Mask” is a poignant poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar, reflecting the repressed anger and frustration of the African American community in the Post-Civil War United States. The poem serves as a powerful commentary on the social injustices they faced, often necessitating the use of a figurative mask to conceal their true emotions. This mask symbolizes the emotional barriers the community erected to protect themselves from racism and segregation.
Step 2: Analysis of the Mask and Its Symbolism
Dunbar repeats the phrase “we wear the mask” throughout the poem, emphasizing its significance. The initial use feels matter-of-fact, transitioning to a sense of resignation in the second stanza, culminating in a defiant assertion at the end. This shift suggests that wearing the mask evolves from a necessity to a proud expression of resilience, highlighting the common experiences shared by the African American community.
Step 3: Themes of Defiance and Resilience
The poem cleverly illustrates how the mask became a tool for survival, allowing African Americans to hide their suffering, while simultaneously gaining a sense of victory over their circumstances. Dunbar implies that through this façade, they could express their strength and reject the societal pressures to succumb to despair. Ultimately, the message of the poem conveys that acceptance of this mask enables individuals to confront the world without losing their sense of identity and hope.