Question

WHAT DOES THIS QUOTE MEAN TO YOU?
“for human wants and humans and needs , are more to me than prophets’ deeds’’.

IT WAS DURING SLAVERY??

Answer 1

I'm not sure about this one, but I think it's saying that the person cares more about what a human wants and needs then what a prophet does...that's pretty insulting to a lot of religions and faiths

Answer 2

I'm not sure what it has to do with slavery though

Answer 3

i have to write a thematic essay on poems by paul dunbar.. i chose the poems religion and we wear the mask by paul dunbar..

Answer 4

he was a poet that talked about slavery during the 19th and 20th century

Answer 5

Maybe it is a slave talking, and they're are saying that they care more about what other slaves need then maybe, Christianity was used to justify slavery

Answer 6

can you help me form a paragraph about this quote because its confusing me a little

Answer 7

Sure

Answer 8

Paul Dunbar was born after the Emancipation Proclamation, so it's hard to tell whether he was actually writing about slavery as a current event when he wrote "Religion." However, whether it was about the institution of slavery or not, Dunbar was still commenting on the lives and treatment of African Americans in the country, being one himself.
The next two lines in the poem reveal more about what he says in your quote: "And human tears and human cares/ Affect me more than human prayers." He's talking about how he cares more about action, or reaction, to the plight of African Americans rather than mere kind words or prayers or intentions. You could reference this poem in the paragraph of an essay by using it as an example to support a thesis of how his poetry served as a social commentary and a condemnation of social injustices. The end of this poem summarizes that quite well, in that he is literally calling upon his fellow countrymen to take up arms in the fight against prejudice:
"Take up your arms, come out with me,
Let Heav'n alone; humanity
Needs more and Heaven less from thee.
With pity for mankind look 'round;
Help them to rise — and Heaven is found."
To paraphrase, Dunbar is saying that people should spend less time praying and more time bringing about equality here on Earth; only then can Heaven be attained.