Comparing "The Mask" by Maya Angelou and Paul Laurence Dunbar

In the realm of American poetry, Maya Angelou and Paul Laurence Dunbar are two prominent figures who have captured the essence of the African American experience through their powerful works. Both poets delve into themes of identity, oppression, and the masks that individuals wear to navigate through a prejudiced society. In this essay, we will compare and analyze Angelou's "The Mask" and Dunbar's "The Mask" to understand how they explore these common themes. By examining their use of imagery, symbolism, and tone, we will gain insights into the struggles faced by African Americans in the past and present.

The Mask in Maya Angelou's "The Mask"

Maya Angelou's "The Mask" is a poignant exploration of the masks individuals wear to hide their pain and the societal pressures that force them to do so. The poem opens with the speaker describing a mask as a "thing on your face" (Angelou 1), emphasizing its physical presence. Here, the mask serves as a metaphor for the facade African Americans adopt to conform to societal expectations and hide their true emotions.

Throughout the poem, Angelou uses vivid imagery to depict the struggles faced by African Americans. She writes, "When I think about myself, / I almost laugh myself to death, / My life has been one great big joke, / A dance that's walked, / A song that's spoke" (Angelou 4-8). These lines illustrate the internal conflict and the burden of wearing a mask. The use of the phrase "laugh myself to death" suggests that the speaker's true self is suffocating under the weight of societal expectations.

Furthermore, Angelou employs the keyword "the mask" multiple times in the poem to emphasize its significance. By repeating this phrase, she highlights the universal nature of wearing masks and underscores the common experience shared by African Americans. Through her powerful imagery and repetition, Angelou forces readers to confront the harsh reality of the masks people wear and prompts them to question the societal pressures that perpetuate this cycle.

The Mask in Paul Laurence Dunbar's "The Mask"

Paul Laurence Dunbar's "The Mask" similarly explores the concept of masks as a means of survival in a prejudiced society. The poem opens with the speaker asserting, "I wear the mask that grins and lies, / It hides my cheeks and shades my eyes" (Dunbar 1-2). Here, the mask becomes a symbol of deception and the lengths individuals go to present a false image to the world.

Dunbar's poem delves into the internal struggles faced by African Americans, specifically the tension between their true selves and the masks they wear. The speaker acknowledges the pain and sadness they conceal behind the mask, stating, "Why should the world be over-wise, / In counting all our tears and sighs?" (Dunbar 5-6). This line highlights the societal expectation for African Americans to hide their pain and present a façade of strength.

Similar to Angelou's poem, Dunbar also utilizes the keyword "the mask" throughout his work to reinforce its significance. By repeatedly referring to the mask, he underscores the ubiquity of this experience among African Americans. Furthermore, the use of the keyword creates a sense of unity and collective struggle, highlighting the shared experiences of African Americans in a racially divided society.

Implications and Broader Reflections

Both Angelou's "The Mask" and Dunbar's "The Mask" shed light on the enduring struggles faced by African Americans in a society that demands conformity and masks their true identities. Through their powerful imagery, symbolism, and use of the keyword "the mask," both poets highlight the emotional toll and internal conflicts experienced by individuals forced to wear a mask.

These poems invite readers to reflect on the profound impact of societal pressures and consider the ways in which they contribute to the perpetuation of masks and facades. By examining these works, we gain a deeper understanding of the African American experience and the resilience exhibited by individuals who navigate a society that often refuses to see their true selves.

In conclusion, Maya Angelou and Paul Laurence Dunbar's poems, "The Mask," provide valuable insights into the struggles faced by African Americans. Through their use of imagery, symbolism, and repetition of the keyword "the mask," both poets effectively convey the emotional toll of wearing a mask and the societal pressures that perpetuate this cycle. These poems serve as powerful reminders of the importance of authenticity and the need to dismantle the masks that hide our true identities.