Emma Lazarus 'Poem' The New Colossus

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Emma Lazarus’ poem, “The New Colossus” is one of those poems that left a mark on history and to this day will be a reminder of America’s constant immigrant experience. This 16 line sonnet in just a couple sentences describes a powerful meaning placed on what we now know as the statue of liberty. In fact, that meaning held so much significance it became the symbol behind the statue of liberty and its entirety. The theme of the poem, “The New Colossus” is about how the statue of liberty not only represents America but welcoming immigrants to our country.
The Arthur of the poem doesn’t just come out and state the meaning of the poem. Instead of simply naming the poem around the idea of immigration or the statue of liberty, she forces the reader …show more content…
It states, “A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lighting, and her name Mother of Exiles.” It’s as if the poem identifies the statue of liberty as a real person; more importantly as a woman. She is a woman that represents a symbol of immense authority and resilience. The torch she carries signals those around her to follow her command. Yet at the same time she is a mother that opens her arms to all that is in need. The poem also states, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This quote can be interpreted as the statue of liberty telling the world she will carry those who cannot carry themselves. It doesn’t matter whether or not that person is poor or even if they weren’t born in America. The statue of liberty is mostly referring to the immigrants of America. Despite, the prejudice immigrants faced during that time period she welcomed them to come to our …show more content…
Her use of the “Golden door”, which was a path immigrant used to enter the country, made it clear that America is for immigrants. She also used the statue of liberty as a way to shine light towards immigration in general. Not many people know what immigrants go through to be a part of our country. They are struggling to obtain freedom and refugee. The author portrays this concept without having any firsthand experience. She didn’t live the way they did but felt how they felt. Emma Lazarus is a Jewish woman who wants nothing more than to live in a country where all is
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