Final answer:
Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of the first African-American poets to receive national and international recognition. His work engages with themes related to race, oppression, and human resilience. His poetry has been influential in shaping the literary landscape, with 'We Wear the Mask' among his most recognized poems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of the first African-American poets to gain national and international recognition. Dunbar's work reflects his experiences of African-American life. His poetry has been significant in shaping the literary landscape, engaging with themes related to race, oppression, and human resilience.
One of his most known poems is 'We Wear the Mask.' It is famous for its commentary on the African-American experience of the time and its complex duality. He published his first poems at age 16 and gained national recognition for his 1896 'Lyrics of a Lowly Life.'
Learn more about Paul Laurence Dunbar