Question

Harlem Renaissance Essay

Write about at least 2 of the poems (We Wear the Mask and Sympathy by Paul Lawrence Dunbar) , describing how the poet depicts the themes
of freedom and identity, the lack of it, or the desire for it.

Write 500 words responding to one of the given prompts (Do not worry about essay format just make your points and support them with evidence(in- text quotations!)
**Do Not Write a Conclusion**

Use formal language—only use antiquated terms when quoting the text.
Your response should be 500 words long, written in complete sentences, and organized in a logical order.

Answer 1

The Harlem Renaissance was a period of artistic and cultural flourishing among African Americans in the 1920s and 1930s. Among the notable figures of this era was Paul Lawrence Dunbar, a poet whose works explored themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle for both. Two of Dunbar's most famous poems, "We Wear the Mask" and "Sympathy," offer powerful reflections on these themes and the experiences of African Americans during this time.

In "We Wear the Mask," Dunbar explores the idea of identity and the ways in which African Americans were forced to hide their true selves in order to survive in a society that was hostile to them. The poem opens with the line, "We wear the mask that grins and lies," suggesting that African Americans were forced to put on a false face in order to fit in with white society. The poem goes on to describe the various ways in which African Americans were forced to hide their true selves, including the use of laughter and smiles to cover up their pain and suffering.

Despite the pain and suffering that African Americans experienced, the poem suggests that they were still able to find strength and resilience in their shared experiences. The final lines of the poem read, "But let the world dream otherwise, / We wear the mask." Here, Dunbar suggests that African Americans were able to find a sense of solidarity and community by wearing the mask, even as they longed for the freedom to be their true selves.

In "Sympathy," Dunbar further explores the theme of identity and the lack of freedom that African Americans experienced during this time. The poem uses the metaphor of a caged bird to represent the experiences of African Americans, suggesting that they were trapped and unable to fly free. The bird is described as beating its wings against the bars of the cage, longing for the freedom that is denied to it.

Throughout the poem, Dunbar uses vivid imagery and sensory details to convey the bird's pain and frustration. He writes, "I know what the caged bird feels, alas! / When the sun is bright on the upland slopes; / When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass, / And the river flows like a stream of glass." Through these lines, Dunbar suggests that the bird is acutely aware of the beauty and freedom that it is denied, making its captivity all the more painful.

Despite the bird's suffering, however, the poem suggests that there is still hope for freedom and liberation. The final lines of the poem read, "And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars / And they pulse again with a keener sting— / I know why he beats his wing!" Here, Dunbar suggests that the bird's pain and suffering have only made it stronger and more determined to seek out freedom.

In both "We Wear the Mask" and "Sympathy," Paul Lawrence Dunbar explores themes of identity, freedom, and the struggle for both. Through his powerful use of imagery and metaphor, Dunbar offers a poignant reflection on the experiences of African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. His poems continue to resonate with readers today, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of identity and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.

Answer 2

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York. It was characterized by a celebration of African American culture, including music, art, and literature. Paul Lawrence Dunbar, one of the most prominent poets of the movement, wrote about themes of freedom and identity in his works, particularly in "We Wear the Mask" and "Sympathy."

In "We Wear the Mask," Dunbar explores the theme of identity and the lack of freedom that comes with it. The poem starts with the line "We wear the mask that grins and lies," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the work. The "mask" is a metaphor for the façade that African Americans put on to survive in a society that is hostile to them. The poem then goes on to describe the various emotions that are hidden behind the mask, such as pain, fear, and grief. The line "Why should the world be over-wise, In counting all our tears and sighs?" speaks to the idea that African Americans are not seen as full human beings, and their pain is not taken seriously.

Dunbar's use of the word "we" is significant because it creates a sense of unity among African Americans. The mask is not something that only one person wears; it is a universal experience. This sense of community is important because it suggests that the only way to overcome the lack of freedom and identity is through collective action.

In "Sympathy," Dunbar explores the theme of freedom and the desire for it. The poem starts with the line "I know what the caged bird feels, alas!" The metaphor of the caged bird is used throughout the poem to represent the lack of freedom that African Americans experienced during this time. The bird's desire to be free is a metaphor for the desire for freedom that African Americans had. The line "I would be free; I would be free!" speaks to the longing for freedom that is a central part of the African American experience.

Dunbar's use of imagery in the poem is particularly powerful. The description of the bird's wings being "clipped and bruised" is a vivid portrayal of the physical and emotional toll that the lack of freedom takes on a person. The line "It is not a carol of joy or glee" speaks to the idea that freedom is not something that can be taken for granted. It is something that must be fought for and earned.

In conclusion, Paul Lawrence Dunbar's poems "We Wear the Mask" and "Sympathy" explore themes of freedom and identity, the lack of it, and the desire for it. Through the use of powerful metaphors, imagery, and language, Dunbar creates a vivid portrayal of the African American experience during the Harlem Renaissance. The sense of community that he creates in "We Wear the Mask" and the longing for freedom in "Sympathy" are both powerful statements about the human condition and the need for justice and equality.

Step-by-step explanation: