Paul Laurence Dunbar was an African-American poet, born in 1872 to parents who were former slaves. Read "We Wear the Mask," by Paul Laurence Dunbar, then answer the question that follows. Explain how the context of Dunbar's poem is relevant to understand the meaning of the poem.

Answer and Explanation:

To fully understand the meaning of the poem "We Wear the Mask", it is important to know that its social and historical context is the period following the Civil War. Even though it might have seemed as if life was improving for African Americans, reality was still one of injustice and segregation.

According to the speaker of the poem, African Americans figuratively wore masks - they acted as if they were happy, content. Slaves were expected to act as if life was good and free of suffering after having been forced to battle in a war that was not their own. However, their mask became their strength. They learned how to use it to their own advantage, to keep others from overcoming them, while they overcame adversities.

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