Speaker. The speaker is the character who speaks in or narrates a poem—the voice assumed by the writer. The speaker in this poem uses the pronoun we, not I. As you read the poem, decide for whom the speaker is speaking.
Rhyme Scheme. A rhyme scheme is a pattern of end rhymes, or rhymes at the ends of lines of verse. The rhyme scheme of a poem is designated by letters, with matching letters signifying matching sounds.
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While Dunbar’s reputation rests on his poems and short stories written in African-American dialect, Dunbar himself considered his nondialectical work to be his best. At the time Dunbar wrote his poems the use of dialect was very popular; consequently and regrettably, many of Dunbar’s poems not written in dialect were neglected. In its formal language and use of rhyme, “We Wear the Mask” shows the influence of poets Robert Burns and James Whitcomb Riley, both of whom Dunbar admired.
When do you hide your feelings from others?
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