The Life and contributions of Paul Lawrence Dunbar

Paul Lawrence Dunbar was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, where his parents divorced at a young age. Living with his mother, he was taught to read and write. She also would read him the bible every day.Unfortunately, in his school life, Dunbar was the only African-American in his high school, but it did not stop him to stay active.

During high school, Paul Lawrence Dunbar was the editor of the school newspaper as well as the class president. He was also president of the school literary society. Based on his activities, Dunbar was a very talented writer. He wrote his first poem at age six, later becoming one of the best African-American writers in history.

Paul Laurence Dunbar later became known for his work. His first professionally published poems, “On the River” and “Our Martyred Soldiers” was published on the newspaper in 1888. He later writes more popular poems and becomes the first African American to get accepted nationally in poetry.

What made Dunbar’s poems so popular was his style of writing. His style consists of standard English of a classical poet and the dialect an African American in the South. One example of his style is Dunbar’s poem “A Border Ballad.”

Unfortunately, Paul Laurence Dunbar died at the age of 33 in 1906. Despite his young age, Paul Laurence Dunbar was known for being the first African American to be nationally accepted as a famous poet. His work also influenced the Harlem Renaissance, which is when African Culture advanced in music, dance, and art.

A choice by Paul Laurence DunbarThey please me not-these solemn songs

That hint of sermons covered upT’is true the world should heed its wrongs

But in a poem let me supNot simples brewed to cure or ease

Humanity’s confessed diseaseBut the spirit-wine of a singing line,

Or a dew drop in a honey cup!

Cites

• https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Laurence_Dunbar

• http://www.dunbarsite.org/

• http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/302