Things are not always as they seem, sometimes first impressions can be deceiving. In Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem, “We Wear the Mask” and Edwin Arlington Robinson’s poem “Richard Cory” the theme of appearance vs. truth is explored. These poems show how you can see someone and still not completely “see” them. They live an ironic life as their appearances differ from their reality. Everyone has a way in which they mask themselves from the world. Their hidden truth kept within a false persona.
In We Wear the Mask people are described as hypocritical, deceptive and willing to appear content with their circumstances, although they are not. The speaker's world appears cold and indifferent; inducing false personas in an effort to appear unbothered. The people are determined to keep the true nature of their sufferings to themselves and to present to others happiness and lack of care, “We wear the mask that grins and lies,” (Dunbar line 1). All of the courtesy and feelings shown are just phony disguises for the painful truths that hide behind them. Furthermore, no matter what is felt one should cover it up, to allow what appears to become reality. …show more content…
He gives off the impression of being a well-dressed and friendly person, “a gentleman from sole to crown” (Robinson line 3). Still good looks do not equate to a happy life. Although many might feel that looking nice and having money will make their lives better. But even Richard Cory isn't made happy with this good fortune. What the townspeople see in Richard Cory he doesn't see in himself. His reality, so different than perceived; Richard Cory kills himself at the end of the