Poem Word Choice, assignment help

When writing a poem word choice is so impeccable because an author only has a few lines to get his/her point across in a manner that will captivate the reader. Getting the authors point across is just step number one in creating a written master piece. Illustrating a detailed image in the readers mind is step number two, are arguably the most important step. In order for the author to illustrate such an image he/she must be thoughtful and thorough when selecting their words.  Not only is word choice important but so is the flow or rhythm of the poem. Reading a poem that is choppy is less likely to keep the attention of the reader. When the author chooses the words to create their story they must ensure that it will keep the interest of their audience.

In the poem “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurance Dunbar word choice is specifically important because he is expressing emotion. Emotion is such a strong topic and when you only have a few lines to express it, it is crucial use to extra ordinary words. For example “We sing, but oh the clay is vile” (line 12) in this specific line of the poem the author is showing that on the outside we may be cheerful and happy but dreadfully unpleasant beneath that. “This debt we pay to human guile” (line 3) Here Dunbar is portraying that because of our intelligence as a society we must sacrifice our true troublesome emotions and cover them with an untrue happy mask.

Paul Dunabr’s “We Wear the Mask” poem has such beautiful rhythm. He has developed his poem in manner that makes the reader eager to continue reading. “We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries/ To thee from tortured souls arise.”(line 10,11) These two magnetizing lines not only have beautiful rhythm but contain excellent word choice.

Paul Laurance Dunbar has really shown what a master piece proper word choice can create. He shows that you do not always have to use large words but simply putting small words in thoughtful placement order can too create a beautiful piece of work.