"We Wear the Mask"

"We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar explores the idea that many people hide their true feelings and struggles behind a façade of happiness or calm. It suggests that individuals often put on a "mask" to cover pain, sorrow, or hardship, especially in a society that values strength and composure. The poem reflects on the emotional concealment necessary to survive social pressures, emphasizing the disconnect between outward appearances and inner realities. It highlights the universal tendency to conceal vulnerabilities, thereby fostering empathy and understanding for others' unseen struggles.