Explain the symbolism in Dunbar’s We Wear the Mask.

The mask in We Wear the Mask is a symbol of lies and deceit, but not the type of lies or deceit we would consider when defining those words. The mask is a persona, a persona taken to hide true emotions. It symbolizes the way the black race was forced to hide their emotions (grief, sadness, and anger) behind a false facade in order to survive and keep honor in the face of oppression.