Mr. Dunbar was apart of the first generation of free blacks.
Ida B. Wells' case against the sleeping cars was unsuccessful
Dunbar is considered the first black poet.
William Wells brown was a mulatto man; a higher black in society.
England tried to get the U.S. to support thee anti-slavery act.
blacks were accused of crimes with no evidence against them
blacks were able to hold political positions and played a part in economical and social life in the U.S.
Impact of Poem
The poem would've changed my mood and attitude if i read it the fall of 2011, but it has made me think about how strong he was to be able to withstand it all. it kind of makes me think that we have it easy these days. if it wasn't for his literary elements and structure, it wouldn't have affected me as much as it did.
Key Figure- Paul Lawrence Dunbar
Explication - " Worn Out" 1) Situation
This poem doesn't tell a story, rather a cry for help can be assumed. it is evident throughout the entire piece. this poem expresses how emotionally drained he has became because of the environment he lives in. his audience seems to be the U.S.A. and how socially unjust they are. his tone is hopeless because he has nothing to cheer for.
2) Structure
the line form is a traditional form because it is four lines, like a sonnet, but it is not in "AB" format. the poem develops around the idea that he can not go on. in every stanza you can find details to support his main idea. the poem always coincide with the end of a poetic line
3) Language
Mr. Dunbar was not very picky with his word choice; squeezing in big words in each stanza for every other sentence. Words such as: peace, hope, strain, gloom, and cheerless are words associated with the tone and mood of the poem. the personification and metaphors add to the pain and suffering that he endured.