We+Wear+the+Mask+(Block+12)

Block 1 & 2 Group: Ashley D., Nicole D., & Brianna M.

Lesson Plan: __Getting Started:__ __ Digging Deeper: __ Please, put any links to the meaning(s) of the poem on this page. Meanings: SCLIFT:
 * 1) Read poem aloud to class, or ask a student to read it aloud.
 * 2) Ask about any terms that might not be well understood. *side note: make sure all terms, unknown words are understood*
 * 3) Give a straight forward overview / summary of the poem and it's meaning(s)
 * 4) Identify along with the class the SCLIFT *aka analyze the poem with the class to create a deeper understanding*
 * 1) Explain the poem line by line, explaining the significance of each line / stanza
 * 2) Give a more detailed summary
 * 3) Ask what the poem might mean, than explain the possible meaning(s) of the poem **as found online***
 * 4) Make sure the students have a complete understanding of the poem, its meaning, the terms used, etc. *make sure they understand the poem in its entirety.*
 * 1) Everyone wears a mask as a survival tactic
 * 2) The mask can protect, but also attack one's identity
 * 3) It is worn because of fear of not being accepted
 * 4) African-Americans may have appeared happy and content (their mask), but were really struggling
 * 1) All lines except 9 and 15 are in iambic tetrameter
 * 2) Alliteration: Repetition of the sound/letter W, M, H
 * 3) Metaphor: Line one compares a mask to the false emotional facades blacks used to avoid angering their oppressors (whites)
 * 4) Dunbar uses the long i sound at the end of every line except the last lines of each stanza to create rhyme and rythm
 * lies, eyes over-wise, cries, otherwise

Links:http://strawberry17.blogspot.com/2007/02/journal-1-personal-response-we-wear.html http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Guides4/Dunbar.html#Top __ Additionally: __ Any aids found online to help the students understand the poem, or make the lesson more interesting should either be brought in, or brought to one of the fellow group member’s attention. Paul Dunbar