The Complete Poems

The Complete Poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a collection of poems by the African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906). Dunbar was a significant literary figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries known for his poems that celebrated African American culture and dialect while also addressing issues of racial injustice and identity. Dunbars poetry often explored themes of love nature spirituality and the complexities of life. He was one of the first African American poets to gain widespread recognition for his literary work which encompassed a range of styles and forms from traditional English verse to dialect poetry. His ability to capture the nuances of language and his use of dialect contributed to the authenticity and depth of his poems. Some of Dunbars most famous works include poems like Sympathy (also known as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings) We Wear the Mask and An Ante-Bellum Sermon. His writing skillfully expressed the joys and struggles of African American life during his time.