<p> “We Wear the Mask” Questions</p><p>1. Explain the metaphor in the poem? What is it a metaphor for?</p><p>2. What consistency do you notice in the rhythm and rhyme scheme of the poem? Do you believe the is done on purpose? Why or why not?</p><p>3. In the last line of stanza 1 the word “mouth” is used as a verb, what does myriad subtleties mean?</p><p>4. How is this poem a paradox? (How does it seemingly contradict itself?)</p><p>5. What alliteration is noticeable in the poem?</p><p>6. What is the author’s message?</p><p>“Sympathy” Questions</p><p>1. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?</p><p>2. Explain the metaphor in the poem?</p><p>3. Why do you believe to be the theme of this poem?</p><p>4. Take special notice of the way Dunbar describes nature in the first stanza. Why do you think he does this?</p><p>5. Choose 5 words from the first stanza that imply peace and serenity. Choose 5 words from stanza 2 and 3 that imply pain and create a negative atmosphere. Why is Dunbar trying to accomplish by doing this? </p><p>6. Give an example today of people who can be compared to the caged bird?</p>