Paul Laurence Dunbar's body of work is characterized by a dualism that reflects the complexities of his times and his own artistic ambitions. While his dialect poetry gained him popular acclaim, it was his standard English poems that truly embodied his deeper poetic aspirations. His writings not only illuminate the struggles of African Americans in post-emancipation America but also showcase his mastery of various literary forms and techniques. Despite the challenges faced due to racial politics, Dunbar left an indelible mark on American literature.

Dialect and Standard English Poetry

Dunbar's poetry is bifurcated into works written in Negro dialect and those in standard English. The dialect poems, rich with scenes of plantation life, often mask subtle protest beneath their humor and vivacity. In contrast, his poems written in standard English delve into themes such as love, death, and nature with a lyrical quality, showcasing his experimentation with diverse poetic forms and his command over rhyme and meter. Despite the popular appeal of his dialect poetry, Dunbar’s preference for his standard English works is evident, as he aimed to express himself in a manner he believed befitting of a poet. This internal conflict is poignantly captured in “The Poet,” where he laments the world's praise for the "jingle in a broken tongue."

Dunbar's use of masking—whereby deeper sentiments are veiled behind a façade—finds profound expression in his poem “We Wear the Mask.” This theme of masking, a recurring motif in his literature, not only critiques the plantation tradition but also reflects the broader societal pressures faced by African Americans. The poem’s technical brilliance is evident in its use of iambic tetrameter and a repetitive rhyme scheme, which Dunbar disrupts strategically to underscore the stark reality behind the mask.

Influences and Lyrical Style

Dunbar’s lyrical poetry demonstrates an allegiance to mood and sound, influenced by British poets such as Wordsworth, Herrick, and Tennyson. His poems often evoke love, melancholy, and nature, with an inclination towards Romanticism. In “Lyrics of the Hearthside,” his love poetry is imbued with a pastoral simplicity and a carpe diem spirit reminiscent of Herrick. Similarly, his reflective and melancholic verses, such as those in Lyrics of Lowly Life, echo the introspective and redemptive qualities found in the works of Keats and Wordsworth.

In his collection Lyrics of Love and Laughter, Dunbar's dialect poems capture universal themes through the lens of African American culture. Poems like “A Plea” highlight the interplay between dialect and emotional expression, underscoring his ability to render common human experiences with lyrical intensity.

Nature serves as a recurring backdrop in Dunbar’s work, often symbolizing broader philosophical themes. In “The Old Apple-Tree,” Dunbar immortalizes the eponymous tree through memory and imagination, intertwining the rustic life with Romantic ideals.

Short Stories and Social Commentary

Dunbar’s short stories, like his poetry, grapple with themes of racial identity and societal injustice. His collection Folks from Dixie presents a tapestry of characters navigating the complexities of post-Reconstruction America. While some stories perpetuate minstrel stereotypes to appeal to a white audience, others, like “The Ordeal at Mt. Hope,” illustrate a blueprint for racial upliftment through education and self-reliance, reflecting Booker T. Washington’s philosophies, which Dunbar later critiqued.

In The Heart of Happy Hollow, Dunbar confronts systemic racism more directly. “The Lynching of Jube Benson” and “The Scapegoat” stand out as poignant critiques of racial violence and scapegoating, with the former narrated from the perspective of a remorseful lyncher, adding depth to its social commentary.

Legacy and Racial Politics

The racial dynamics of Dunbar’s era profoundly influenced his work and its reception. His success, while a testament to his...