Answer :
In the poem "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the speaker is characterized as someone who hides their suffering and pain behind a facade. This can be seen throughout the poem where the speaker talks about wearing a mask that grins and lies, hiding their true emotions and struggles from the world. The speaker explains that they smile outwardly to conceal their inner turmoil, presenting a false front to society.
Dunbar portrays the speaker as someone who deceives others by putting on a brave face while actually feeling tormented inside. The speaker's cries for help and true feelings are directed towards a higher power, such as Christ, indicating a sense of desperation and longing for relief from their suffering. This deception is not for personal gain but rather a coping mechanism to navigate the challenges and expectations of the world.
Overall, the speaker in the poem is characterized as someone who masks their pain and struggles, presenting a facade of happiness and strength to the outside world while dealing with internal torment and anguish.
Dunbar portrays the speaker as someone who deceives others by putting on a brave face while actually feeling tormented inside. The speaker's cries for help and true feelings are directed towards a higher power, such as Christ, indicating a sense of desperation and longing for relief from their suffering. This deception is not for personal gain but rather a coping mechanism to navigate the challenges and expectations of the world.
Overall, the speaker in the poem is characterized as someone who masks their pain and struggles, presenting a facade of happiness and strength to the outside world while dealing with internal torment and anguish.