Melat Sissay

Prof. Holt

ENGL_202-001

9 February 2020

Paul Laurence Dunbar Poetry Analysis

Worship ties us emotionally to God. In Paul’s “When Malimdy Sings” poem in

line 46, the narrator explains that Malindy’s heart clings to the cross when she sings. In

line 55, it is even said that Malindy’s song makes its way in glory to the very gates of

God.

Dunbar’s first line in “We Wear the Mask” poem is a personification because he

is giving the mask human characteristics by saying “We wear the mask that grins and

lies. A mask is a mask, it cannot either grins or lie.

In the “Sympathy” Dunbar comparing the African American and himself with the

caged bird whom lost all the basics natural rights. The narrator used the phrase “I know

what the caged bird feel” like he actually had some sort of conversation with the caged

bird so we can confidently relate to the birds feelings.