We Wear the Mask
by Paul Lawrence Dunbar
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.
Why should the world be over­wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us,while
We wear the mask.
We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!
Aug 21­2:22 PM
We Wear the Mask
TP­CASTT
T­ Title Think about the title before you read the poem. Predict what you think the poem might be about
P­Paraphrase Read the poem and think about its meaning. Translate the poem int
your own words.
C: Connotation Contemplate the poem for more than its literal meaning. Identify all figurative language.
A: Attitude Observe both the speaker's and the poet's attitude. Diction, images, and details suggest this attitude.
S: Shifts Trace the changing feelings of the speaker from beginning to end. Are there changes in speakers/attitude?
T: Title Look at the title again, this time on an interpretive
level. Explain its meaning.
T: Theme What is the overall meaning the poet is trying to express?
Aug 21­2:22 PM
1
We Wear the Mask
by Paul Lawrence Dunbar
1. In the poem, who wears the mask? What does the mask symbolize? Why?
2. Explain the meaning behind these words of the speaker: "With torn and bleeding hearts we smile."
3. Why does the speaker repeat the line "We wear the mask"? Why is he so insistent about the wearing of this mask?
Maya Angelou's reading
4. What argument does the speaker make about why the world needs him to wear a mask? (See stanza two)
Aug 21­2:22 PM
What mask do you wear?
PLAN
On a piece of paper, begin brainstorming what you would include on a mask that represents YOU...
Things for the OUTSIDE of the mask 1. the image/front I try to portray
Things for the INSIDE of the mask 2. how I have been labeled by
1. What my personality is REALLY like
classmates
2. How I act when I am most comfortable
group of friends
3. What I really love to do that no one knows
teachers
4. What my life is REALLY like
parents
family/siblings/extended family
3. what people typically know about what I do
4. what people typically know about my life
Aug 21­2:22 PM
2
What mask do you wear?
GATHER
PLAN
Now go through your list, and select at least five of the items that best represent you for each side of the mask. Create a symbol that represents that aspect of your personality. (Remember ­ a symbol is NOT an illustration.)
Aug 21­2:22 PM
Symbolism
I.
Symbol: a concrete object which represents an abstract idea
II.
Examples of Symbols:
III.
A.
Eagle symbolizes freedom
B.
Chains symbolize slavery
C.
Dove symbolizes peace
D.
Other examples you can share?
A reader must infer the meaning of the symbols an author includes in his/her work by using context clues provided within the piece of literature.
Aug 22­4:06 PM
3
What mask do you wear?
GATHER
For Homework:
Gather the materials that you will use to symbolically represent yourself on both the outside and the inside of the mask.
BUILD
Create your mask, being sure to incorporate at least 5 symbols on EACH side of the mask, and to make it visually interesting.
Reflection: Make a list of all of the symbols you chose for your mask, and why they are symbolic of important aspects of your life. Answer the following question in paragraph form:
List at least two ways that the creation of your mask impacted your understanding of the theme in “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Dunbar?
Aug 21­2:22 PM
Aug 22­4:01 PM
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