Paul Laurence Dunbar Research Paper

While a majority of poets struggled to reach recognition for their work, it was not a problem for Paul Laurence Dunbar. With an abundance of achievements and knowledgeable understanding of African American struggles. Dunbar became the most renowned poets of his life time. His ability to write diverse poetry stemmed from his parents experiences as former slaves. Paul Laurence Dunbar was born on June 27, 1872 in Dayton, Ohio and was raised by Joshua and Maltilda J. Murphy Dunbar (Patricia 2). Dunbar’s love for writing began during his high school career at the age of sixteen where he gained early support for his writing. Through his works he was introduced to the Western Association of Writers in 1892 (William 5). After Dunbar finished

In this piece, Dunbar illustrates his mastery of dialect poetry, a form of poetry that refers to a use of language that distinguishes the voice of someone from a unique culture or social class from others. For example, the line “the mask grins and lies” portrays the ability to cover up the ongoing misery and suffering of African Americans. It also sets the tone for what many people were feeling and witnessing during these turbulent times (Carroll 3). Another example of this theme can be found in the line “With torn and bleeding hearts we smile”, which further represents, the grin and bear it attitude of African Americans during this time in history (O’Hara 6). Dunbar’s poem was seen as muted protest that described the conflicts and barriers between African Americans and whites (O’Hara 6). A third example of Dunbar’s theme of racial inequality is found in the line “Beneath our feet, and long the mile/ But let the world dream otherwise.” The use of feet walking a long mile show us that Dunbar was trying to convey the message that perhaps there is still hope at the end of the journey. But his use of the word mile still indicates that there is a long journey ahead before people can reach the salvation that they desire (Carroll