What does the mask in Paul poem we wear represent?

The mask in the poem “The Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar represents the various personas individuals adopt to navigate society and interact with others. It symbolizes the way people often conceal their true selves to conform to social expectations or to protect themselves from vulnerability. The poem explores themes of identity, conformity, and the search for authenticity. Through the metaphor of the mask, Dunbar highlights the tension between one’s inner self and the outward persona they present to the world. The mask can be seen as a protective shield or a form of self-deception, but it also raises questions about the cost of hiding one’s true identity and the pursuit of a genuine and fulfilling existence.