Analysis Of Paul Laurence Dunbar s The Elevator Boy Poet

On June 27, 1872 in Dayton, Ohio a legend, a dream, a prodigy was born. Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of the first African American poets to gain national recognition. (poets) Dunbar graduated high school around the time where racial discrimination was at it’s all time high, so they were not many jobs for the African American race. Due to the lack of occupation Dunbar was forced to be an elevator operator in a Dayton hotel. Although the circumstances were difficult it did not stop Dunbar from succeeding. While working as an elevator operator, Dunbar was able to continue his works during his off time. Working at the hotel didn’t only allow Dunbar to continue writing; he also earned a name for himself, â€Å"elevator boy poet.† His eagerness to succeed allowed him to adapt what is now known as a hustle. Dunbar sold poems in the elevator for one dollar, to help cover publishing fees. Soon after Dunbar moved to Chicago, where he befriended Fredrick Douglass. This is w here his hard work begins to pay off. Dunbar and his work were mentioned in major magazines and newspapers. By 1896 Dunbar had published his third collection, but first professionally published volume, Lyrics of Lowly Life. In this volume Dunbar wrote a poem called, â€Å"We Wear the Mask.† In the poem, â€Å"We Wear the Mask†, lies and deceit, suffering, race, and society and class are used as themes to illustrate the African American life during and before Dunbar’s lifetime. The purpose of this analysis is to explore certain