19th Century American Poetry

A Learning Guide





Paul Laurence Dunbar

(1872 - 1906)


Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in Dayton, Ohio and was the first African-American to gain international recognition as a poet. His parents were escaped slaves, and his father fought in the Civil War for the Northern States.  He wrote his poetry in both 19th century African-American dialect and standard English.  Dunbar was often turned down by editors when submitting work in the African-American dialect.


Paul Laurence Dunbar's "The Dreamer" and "We Wear the Mask"

Please go to the below sites to learn more about the life of Paul Laurence Dunbar and to read more of his poetry:

http://www.dunbarsite.org/

http://www.libraries.wright.edu/special/dunbar/