The Mask
The mask is a form of deception or illusion. Sometimes, it can be worn as both. It hides the true emotions of slaves, keeping the slave master from knowing what is going on in their minds. The mask also allows the slave to have an identity without the master's detection. The mask gives the illusion that the slave is exactly how the masters believe, ignorant, incapable of true emotion, and unable to think for themselves.
A perfect depiction of the mask can be found in Charles Chestnutt's The Passing of Grandison. Colonel, Grandison's master, believed that he would never try to escape if allowed to go on a journey with his son, Dick. The colonel recommends to Dick that he bring Grandison along on his travels.
"What's the matter with Grandison?" suggested the colonel. " He's
handy enough, and I reckon we can trust him. He's too fond of
good eating to risk losing his regular meals; besides, he's sweet
on your mother's......
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Approximate Word Count: 1069
Approximate Pages: 5 (260 words per double-spaced page) |