Welcome to Poem of the Day – The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus.
“The New Colossus” is a sonnet written by American poet Emma Lazarus in 1883. The poem is most famous for its association with the Statue of Liberty and its celebration of America as a land of refuge for immigrants. The poem contrasts the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, a symbol of empire and conquest, with the Statue of Liberty, which stands as a welcoming figure for those seeking freedom and opportunity in the United States.
Content
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The New Colossus Poem Explanation
The poem begins by referring to the “Colossus of Rhodes,” a giant statue from ancient Greece that symbolized power and dominion. Lazarus contrasts this image with the Statue of Liberty, describing it as a “new colossus,” one that represents hope, freedom, and welcome. The Statue of Liberty is depicted as a nurturing and protective figure, a “Mother of Exiles,” who stands at the gates of the New World, welcoming the poor, tired, and oppressed from around the globe.
The poem famously captures the essence of American ideals, portraying the United States as a land of refuge and opportunity for immigrants. In the final lines, Lazarus gives voice to Lady Liberty, who speaks a powerful message of inclusivity and hope: “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Themes and Analysis
Inclusivity and Immigration: The central theme of the poem is the United States as a haven for immigrants. Lazarus highlights the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of welcome and hope for those fleeing poverty and oppression. The poem celebrates the diversity and inclusiveness that immigration brings to the nation.
Contrast with the Old World: The poem sets up a contrast between the Old World, represented by the Colossus of Rhodes, and the New World, symbolized by the Statue of Liberty. While the Colossus represents imperial power and conquest, Lady Liberty stands for compassion, freedom, and the promise of a better life.
Hope and Freedom: The poem conveys a message of hope and freedom, portraying America as a place where people can escape hardship and find opportunity. It reflects the ideal that the United States offers not just material wealth, but the chance for a new life of dignity and liberty.
Motherhood and Protection: The image of Lady Liberty as the “Mother of Exiles” suggests a nurturing and protective role for the United States. The poem presents America as a land that offers shelter and care to those who are displaced or marginalized.
Structure and Form
Form: “The New Colossus” is a Petrarchan sonnet, consisting of 14 lines. It follows the traditional structure of an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the final six lines).
Rhyme Scheme: The poem adheres to the ABBAABBA rhyme scheme for the octave and a more flexible CDCDCD rhyme scheme for the sestet. This structure adds to the formal elegance of the poem, reinforcing its thematic contrast between the old and the new.
Meter: The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic and flowing quality, enhancing the lyrical nature of the sonnet. The regular meter reflects the enduring and steadfast nature of the Statue of Liberty’s message.
Tone and Language
Tone: The tone of the poem is celebratory and optimistic. Lazarus exalts the ideals of freedom and inclusivity, using grand and uplifting language to emphasize the moral and symbolic significance of the Statue of Liberty.
Imagery: Lazarus contrasts powerful images of the Colossus of Rhodes with the nurturing and protective image of the Statue of Liberty. The vivid image of the statue’s “beacon-hand” and “imprisoned lightning” emphasizes its guiding role for those seeking a better life.
Personification: The Statue of Liberty is personified as a compassionate and welcoming figure, the “Mother of Exiles.” This personification reinforces the idea that the United States offers not only opportunity but also care and refuge for those in need.
Symbolism: The Statue of Liberty serves as a central symbol of hope, freedom, and inclusivity. It represents not just America, but the ideals of liberty and democracy that the nation stands for.
Conclusion
“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus is a powerful and enduring poem that captures the essence of America’s ideals of freedom, inclusivity, and opportunity. Through its vivid imagery, structured form, and hopeful tone, the poem reimagines the Statue of Liberty as a beacon for immigrants and a symbol of the nation’s welcoming spirit. The poem’s message, immortalized at the base of the statue, continues to resonate as a timeless testament to the values of compassion and freedom that define the American dream.