Instead of "major" and "minor," it's more helpful to discuss Dunbar's poems in terms of their themes, styles, and audiences:
1. Dialect Poetry:
* Themes: Often focused on the lives, experiences, and struggles of African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
* Style: Utilizes Black Vernacular English, capturing the rhythms and colloquialisms of African American speech.
* Examples: "When Malindy Sings," "The Haunted Cabin," "The Sport of the Gods."
* Audience: Initially aimed at a white audience, aiming to show the humanity and culture of Black people. However, Dunbar later expressed dissatisfaction with this focus, feeling it reinforced stereotypes.
2. Standard English Poetry:
* Themes: Explores themes of love, nature, social justice, and the human condition.
* Style: Written in traditional poetic forms and language, showcasing Dunbar's mastery of various poetic techniques.
* Examples: "Sympathy," "Ode to Ethiopia," "Douglass," "We Wear the Mask."
* Audience: Intended for a broader audience, showcasing Dunbar's versatility and artistic range.
3. "Major" Poems in Dunbar's Oeuvre:
While not officially categorized as "major," some of Dunbar's poems are considered more significant for their impact and literary merit, such as:
* "Sympathy": Widely recognized for its powerful exploration of racial oppression and the yearning for freedom.
* "We Wear the Mask": A poignant and enduring reflection on the masks people wear to hide their true emotions and experiences.
* "Ode to Ethiopia": A powerful call for Black pride and a celebration of African heritage.
4. Dunbar's Legacy:
Dunbar's poems, particularly those written in Standard English, have had a lasting influence on African American literature. His work helped pave the way for later generations of Black poets to explore a wide range of themes and styles.
Conclusion:
While there's no formal distinction between "major" and "minor" poems by Dunbar, understanding the different themes, styles, and audiences he addressed provides a more nuanced and insightful perspective on his diverse and impactful body of work.