Question

In “We Wear the Mask,” how does the poet use irony to reject the romantic notion of idealism?

by describing how people attempt to hide their pain by pretending to be happy
by pointing out that most people are truly happy, despite appearing depressed
by describing how people attempt to appear happy for the sake of material gain
by pointing out that most people are unable to recognize their own emotions

Answer 1

A) by describing how people attempt to hide their pain by pretending to be happy.

Answer 2

The correct answer is the first one - by describing how people attempt to hide their pain by pretending to be happy.
The poet wants to show that people are constantly wearing masks to hide their real emotions. They pretend to be happy so that others wouldn't realize how they truly feel - they don't want to be that vulnerable and open up to others about their real emotions.