Prayer to the Masks

Prayer to the Masks” is composed of 32 lines with no strict syllabic structure or rhyme scheme. The entire poem is also written in a single stanza, but varying line breaks help create distinct moments throughout. Punctuation, too, is employed regularly. Periods offer moments to pause and reflect, and exclamation points give the poem a dramatic tone and urgency. Senghor uses these literary tools to develop his thematic messages about his people’s history, shining light on the beauty, and darkness, of the past, while also looking toward the future and ending the poem on an optimistic note of strength.

The opening of the poem establishes a dramatic tone and introduces the titular masks. The first line is only three words, and three syllables, but Senghor uses exclamation points to lengthen the duration of the line and create a loud, dramatic introduction: “Masks! Oh Masks!” (Line 1). Lines 2-3 give the masks more detail, enhancing their imagery and giving them more significance. The masks come in various colors, and it is through the masks that spirits breathe: “Rectangular masks through whom the spirit breathes,” (Line 3).