The line “We wear the mask” is an alliteration that is repeated three times within Dunbar’s piece. The repetition of similar sounds throughout the poem reminds the reader that the mask is never taken off. Through each struggle and every heartache – the mask remains in tact as it covers the face. Additionally, the following rhetorical question should also be classifies as a hyperbole. Dunbar states “Why should the world be over-wise, / In counting all our tears and sighs?” The world cannot literally count all of their tears and sighs and it is impossible for the world to truly be “over-wise.” In the first line, “over-wise” is referring to the world imposing on others beliefs. In many ways this line proves that society initially feels powerful – therefore, they see the need to change others. Meanwhile, blacks need a mask to make themselves seem and feel powerful. These literary devices are used to remind the reader that things may not be as they seem. Dunbar discretely places these devices to catch our attention and pull us towards what he believes is true. Similar to society – Dunbar tries to make his readers realize society manipulates and structures individuals to abide by societal
The line “We wear the mask” is an alliteration that is repeated three times within Dunbar’s piece. The repetition of similar sounds throughout the poem reminds the reader that the mask is never taken off. Through each struggle and every heartache – the mask remains in tact as it covers the face. Additionally, the following rhetorical question should also be classifies as a hyperbole. Dunbar states “Why should the world be over-wise, / In counting all our tears and sighs?” The world cannot literally count all of their tears and sighs and it is impossible for the world to truly be “over-wise.” In the first line, “over-wise” is referring to the world imposing on others beliefs. In many ways this line proves that society initially feels powerful – therefore, they see the need to change others. Meanwhile, blacks need a mask to make themselves seem and feel powerful. These literary devices are used to remind the reader that things may not be as they seem. Dunbar discretely places these devices to catch our attention and pull us towards what he believes is true. Similar to society – Dunbar tries to make his readers realize society manipulates and structures individuals to abide by societal