Parent Guide > We Wear the Mask

by Paul Laurence Dunbar 1896

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) was an influential African American poet, the son of freed slaves, and friend of Frederick Douglass. In "We Wear the Mask," Dunbar introduces the idea of hiding behind a metaphorical mask.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Prejudice & Discrimination and Resilience & Success as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"What are the effects of prejudice?" and "How does a person overcome adversity?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this poem at home:
    • What was "We Wear the Mask" about?
    • What did you learn about Prejudice & Discrimination?
    • What did you learn about Resilience & Success?