What is the present simple or present continuous for usually ​

In the poem "we wear the mask," paul laurence dunbar voices his repressed anger and frustration toward american society. he repeats the title phrase three times in the poem, using the words mask and we to show that the first use of the phrase is matter-of-fact. in the second stanza, the statement is followed by a period, which shows resignation. however, at the end of the poem, dunbar almost shouts the phrase defiantly. the mask seems to become something he wears proudly. through this gradual emphasis on the phrase, dunbar could be implying that

What functions as a reflexive pronoun in the sentence the professor herself wanted to attend the conference, but it was cancelled when she and several other presenters had to excuse themselves

Which theme is shared by both text ? a. it is unwise to offend the gods. b. all people deserve to be treated with respect. c. pride and overconfidence can lead to a person's desmise. d. it is important to maintain a positive attitude, even when you lose.