“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

1. Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
2. With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
3. Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
4. A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
5. Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
6. Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
7. Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
8. The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
9. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
10. With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
11. Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
12. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
13. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
14. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Introduction: “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, an iconic sonnet, serves as a powerful symbol of American idealism and a beacon of hope for immigrants seeking a better life. In contrast to the brazen might of the Colossus of Rhodes, Lazarus envisions a colossal statue embodying the welcoming spirit of America. This “Mother of Exiles” holds a torch, not as a symbol of conquest, but of enlightenment and refuge. Her compassionate gaze offers solace to those who arrive tempest-tossed and yearning for freedom. Lazarus’s words reject the trappings of old-world grandeur and instead proclaim America’s unique promise: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This stirring declaration has become synonymous with the American immigrant experience, forever etched on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.

Annotations of “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

Verse	Explanation and Annotation
1. “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,”	The poem begins with a comparison between two monuments. The “brazen giant” is a reference to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, which was a statue of the Greek god Helios. The use of the word “brazen” suggests that the statue was made of bronze and that it had a bold and intimidating presence.
2. “With conquering limbs astride from land to land;”	The Colossus of Rhodes was depicted with its legs apart, straddling the harbor, which gave it a dominant and imposing appearance. The phrase “conquering limbs” reinforces the idea that the statue was a symbol of power and domination.
3. “Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand”	The poem shifts from the ancient world to the present day, and the speaker is referring to the United States, which is described as having “sea-washed” gates. This could be a reference to the many ports and harbors along the coast of the country.
4. “A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame”	The “mighty woman” being referred to is the Statue of Liberty, which is depicted holding a torch in her right hand. The torch symbolizes enlightenment and the idea that knowledge brings freedom.
5. “Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name”	The flame of the torch is described as “imprisoned lightning,” which suggests that it is both powerful and contained. The name of the statue is not mentioned explicitly in this line, but it is implied to be the “mighty woman” mentioned earlier.
6. “Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand”	The Statue of Liberty is often called the “Mother of Exiles” because of its association with immigration. The “beacon-hand” is a reference to the torch, which is a symbol of hope and guidance.
7. “Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command”	The statue is depicted as welcoming people from all over the world with a warm and gentle light. The phrase “mild eyes command” suggests that even though the statue is welcoming, it also has a certain authority or power.
8. “The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.”	The “air-bridged harbor” refers to the harbor in New York City, which is spanned by several bridges that connect the city to neighboring areas. The “twin cities” are New York City and Brooklyn, which were separate cities until they were merged in 1898.
9. “”Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she”	The speaker is quoting the Statue of Liberty, which is urging the countries of Europe to keep their history and traditions to themselves. The phrase “storied pomp” refers to the rich cultural heritage of Europe.
10. “With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,”	The statue is depicted as having “silent lips,” but it is still able to communicate its message. The phrase “Give me your tired, your poor” is a reference to the poem “The New Colossus” and has become a well-known quote associated with the Statue of Liberty.
11. “Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,”	The statue is depicted as welcoming people who are oppressed and seeking freedom. The phrase “huddled masses” suggests that these people are crowded together and desperate for relief.
12. “The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.”	The statue is described as welcoming even the most downtrodden and rejected members of society. The phrase “teeming shore” suggests that there are many people who are suffering and looking for a way out.
13. “Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,”	The statue is portrayed as a beacon of hope for those who are homeless and have been battered by the storms of life. The phrase “tempest-tost” suggests that these individuals have faced significant challenges and hardships.
14. “I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”	The poem concludes with the image of the statue holding up its torch beside the “golden door,” which is a symbol of the United States and the opportunities that it offers. The phrase “lift my lamp” suggests that the statue is providing guidance and illumination to those who are seeking a better life.

Literary Devices in “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

Literary Device	Reference	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	5. “Is the imprisoned lightning”	Emphasizes the power and energy of the statue’s torch flame.
Allusion	1. “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame”	References the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek god Helios that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The contrast suggests that the new statue is different in its purpose and message.
Anaphora	9-10. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” / “Give me your tired, your poor”	Repetition of these phrases emphasizes the statue’s rejection of wealth and status in favor of welcoming those in need.
Assonance	7. “Glow world-wide welcome”	The repeated “o” sound creates a sense of openness and warmth in the statue’s welcome.
Consonance	11. “Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”	The repeated “d” and “s” sounds create a sense of struggle and longing in the description of the immigrants.
Hyperbole	5. “Is the imprisoned lightning”	The description of the torch flame as “imprisoned lightning” exaggerates its power and intensity.
Imagery	6-7. “From her beacon-hand / Glows world-wide welcome”	The image of the statue’s torch flame as a “beacon” creates a vivid picture of its welcoming light.
Irony	9-10. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” / “Give me your tired, your poor”	The statue’s rejection of wealth and status is ironic because it stands in a harbor that was once a hub of trade and commerce.
Juxtaposition	1-2. “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, / With conquering limbs astride from land to land”	Contrasting the new statue with the Colossus of Rhodes emphasizes the difference in their purposes and messages.
Metaphor	5. “Is the imprisoned lightning”	The comparison of the torch flame to “imprisoned lightning” creates a powerful image of its intensity and energy.
Onomatopoeia	13. “tempest-tost”	The word’s sound echoes the tumultuous experience of being tossed about in a storm, emphasizing the hardships faced by immigrants.
Oxymoron	4. “mighty woman”	The combination of “mighty” and “woman” seems contradictory because of gender stereotypes, but it emphasizes the statue’s power and strength.
Personification	4. “A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame”	The statue is personified as a woman with a torch, giving it a human-like quality and emphasizing its welcoming message.
Repetition	9-10. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” / “Give me your tired, your poor”	Repetition of these phrases emphasizes the statue’s message of welcoming the needy and rejecting wealth and status.
Rhyme	3-4. “stand / flame”	The rhyme creates a musical quality to the description of the statue.
Simile	5. “Is the imprisoned lightning”	The comparison of the torch flame to “imprisoned lightning” creates a vivid image of its power and energy.
Symbolism	14. “the golden door”	The “golden door” symbolizes the opportunities and prosperity of the United States that the statue represents.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

Literary Device	Examples/References	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	“sea-washed, sunset gates” (line 3)	Emphasizes the beauty and grandeur of the setting.
Assonance	“brazen giant” (line 1)	Creates a sense of grandeur and power, setting up a contrast with the woman to be described in the following lines.
Consonance	“beacon-hand” (line 6)	Emphasizes the power and importance of the torch.
End Rhyme	“land” and “stand” (lines 2-3), “free” and “sea” (lines 11-13)	Creates a sense of rhythm and unity throughout the poem.
Rhyme Scheme	ABBA ABBA CD CD CD (Petrarchan sonnet)	Creates a sense of balance and symmetry in the poem.
Diction	“tempest-tost” (line 13)	Evokes a sense of the hardships and struggles faced by immigrants.
Verse Type	Petrarchan sonnet	Creates a sense of balance and symmetry in the poem, while also allowing for the development of a complex argument.
Stanza Type	Octave and sestet	The octave sets up the idea of the contrast between the two colossi, while the sestet develops the argument for the new colossus.
Poem Type	Sonnet	Allows for the development of a complex argument in a relatively short form.
Diction	“wretched refuse” (line 12)	Emphasizes the desperation and hopelessness of the immigrants being described.
Tone	Hopeful, welcoming	The poem presents the United States as a beacon of hope for immigrants, and encourages them to come to the country for a better life.

Functions of Literary Devices in “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

1. Creating Imagery: Literary devices are used to create vivid imagery in the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus. For instance, the poet uses a metaphor in the line, “A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning.” This metaphor compares the torch held by the woman to the imprisoned lightning, creating an image of a powerful, dynamic force that can illuminate and energize even the darkest corners of the world. The poet also uses diction to create imagery, such as in the line “The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,” which conjures up an image of two cities separated by a harbor but connected by a bridge in the sky. Such imagery helps the readers to visualize the setting, the characters, and the themes of the poem.
2. Enhancing Rhythm and Musicality: Literary devices like assonance, consonance, and end rhyme are used in “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus to enhance the rhythm and musicality of the poem. For example, the repetition of the “s” sound in the phrase “sea-washed, sunset gates” creates an assonance that gives the line a musical quality. The end rhyme in the poem, particularly in the final stanza, also helps to create a musical effect that adds to the emotional impact of the poem. For example, the end rhymes in the last two lines of the poem, “tost” and “door,” create a sense of closure that emphasizes the poem’s message of welcome and acceptance.
3. Conveying Emotion: Literary devices can be used to convey emotion in a poem, and “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus is no exception. The poet uses a variety of devices, such as alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, to convey her feelings about the themes of the poem. For instance, the repetition of the phrase “your tired, your poor” in line 10 emphasizes the sense of compassion and empathy that the speaker has for those who are struggling. The metaphor of the woman holding a torch also conveys a sense of hope and light in the face of darkness and oppression. Through these devices, the poet is able to evoke a range of emotions in the reader, from empathy and compassion to hope and inspiration.
4. Reinforcing Theme: Literary devices can be used to reinforce the themes of a poem, and in “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, the poet uses several devices to reinforce the theme of welcome and acceptance. For instance, the repetition of the phrase “I lift my lamp” in the final stanza reinforces the image of the torch-bearing woman and emphasizes her message of welcome to all who are seeking a better life. The use of the metaphor “Mother of Exiles” also reinforces the theme of acceptance by emphasizing the idea that the United States is a place where people from all over the world can find a new home. Through these devices, the poet reinforces the central theme of the poem and helps to make it more powerful and resonant.

Themes in “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

• Immigration and Welcoming Haven:“The New Colossus” powerfully champions the idea of America as a welcoming haven for people worldwide. Lazarus portrays the Statue of Liberty as a beacon of hope for the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” offering a stark contrast to restrictive immigration policies or nationalistic rhetoric. Lines like “Give me your tired, your poor…” solidify this theme.
• Freedom and Liberty Freedom serves as another core theme within the poem. The Statue of Liberty herself embodies freedom and liberation, offering a stark alternative to the “brazen giant of Greek fame” with its “conquering limbs.” Her torch, “whose flame / Is the imprisoned lightning,” acts as a symbol of enlightenment and the unyielding spirit of freedom.
• America as a Melting Pot: Lazarus’s work envisions America as a unique melting pot, where people of all backgrounds can unite for a better future. Her use of the term “Mother of Exiles” highlights this welcoming spirit, further emphasized by the lines, “Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” America’s open arms extend to all, regardless of origin or circumstance.
• Unity for the Common Good: The poem stresses the significance of unity for a thriving society. The “air-bridged harbor” connecting New York and Brooklyn symbolizes the potential for united communities. The Statue of Liberty, a gateway to these cities, reminds us that cooperation and acceptance of diversity are key to building a brighter future for all.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

1. Marxist Theory: A Marxist interpretation of “The New Colossus” can argue that the poem advocates for the welcoming of immigrants to the United States as a means of expanding the labor force and promoting the interests of the bourgeoisie. The line “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” (lines 10-11) can be seen as a call for cheap labor, which can be exploited by capitalists. Additionally, the image of the “mighty woman with a torch” (line 4) can be interpreted as a symbol of the bourgeoisie, who are powerful and control the means of production. The poem can be seen as promoting the idea that the working class should embrace immigration, rather than reject it.
2. Feminist Theory: From a feminist perspective, “The New Colossus” can be seen as a celebration of women’s power and strength. The image of the “mighty woman with a torch” (line 4) can be interpreted as a symbol of female empowerment, suggesting that women can be powerful leaders who can guide society. Additionally, the poem’s emphasis on welcoming the “homeless, tempest-tost” (line 13) can be seen as a call for compassion and care, which are often associated with femininity. The poem can be interpreted as a feminist statement that women have the ability to create a more compassionate and caring society.
3. New Historicism Theory: A new historicist interpretation of “The New Colossus” can examine the poem in the context of the historical period in which it was written. The poem was written in 1883, at a time when immigration to the United States was increasing rapidly. The line “Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand / A mighty woman with a torch” (lines 3-4) can be seen as a reflection of the United States’ growing power and influence in the world, as the country began to emerge as a major economic and political player. The poem can be interpreted as a reflection of the United States’ shifting identity and role in the world during this period.
4. Reader-Response Theory: A reader-response interpretation of “The New Colossus” can examine the ways in which individual readers interpret and respond to the poem. The line “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” (lines 10-11) can be seen as a call to action for readers, inspiring them to welcome and embrace immigrants to the United States. The poem can be interpreted as a challenge to readers to consider their own attitudes towards immigration and to take action to promote a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
The Significance of “The New Colossus” in American Culture	How has “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus influenced American culture and the concept of the American Dream?	Through its portrayal of the United States as a welcoming and accepting nation, “The New Colossus” has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for immigrants seeking a better life in America.
Gender Roles in “The New Colossus”	How does “The New Colossus” challenge traditional gender roles and expectations?	Through the depiction of a powerful female figure who stands as a beacon of hope and freedom, “The New Colossus” challenges traditional gender roles and asserts the importance of women in shaping the American identity.
The Role of Poetry in Political Activism	How has “The New Colossus” been used as a tool for political activism and social change?	By using powerful language and imagery to advocate for the acceptance and inclusion of immigrants, “The New Colossus” has been used as a tool for political activism and has inspired generations of Americans to fight for social justice and equality.
Rhetorical Analysis of “The New Colossus”	How does Emma Lazarus use literary devices to convey her message in “The New Colossus”?	Through her use of literary devices such as metaphor, allusion, and personification, Emma Lazarus effectively conveys her message of hope and acceptance for immigrants in “The New Colossus.”

Short Question-Answer about “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

Significance of the Statue’s Femininity in “The New Colossus”

• Nurturing and Welcoming Mother Figure: The statue’s feminine form underscores America’s role as a nurturing haven, welcoming the world’s downtrodden with compassion and open arms.
• Challenge to Traditional Power Structures: A female symbol of strength and leadership challenges male-dominated power dynamics, suggesting women’s vital role in shaping society.
• Symbol of Inclusive Cultural Identity: The statue’s femininity may represent a broader shift towards a more inclusive and diverse American identity.

How “The New Colossus” Demonstrates American Exceptionalism

• Beacon of Freedom and Hope: The poem positions America as unique, a land of opportunity sharply contrasting restrictive nations elsewhere in the world.
• Rejection of Ancient Ideals: The opening lines reject the “brazen giants” of old-world powers, symbolizing America’s departure from outdated notions of power and glory.
• Welcoming Haven for All: America’s promise extends uniquely to all those seeking better lives, regardless of background or status, reinforcing the idea of exceptionalism.

How the Statue in “The New Colossus” Symbolizes Democracy

• Embodiment of Liberty and Equality: The statue itself represents the core democratic ideals of freedom and equality for all.
• Symbol of Enlightenment and Progress: The torch signifies reason and forward-thinking, both essential elements of democratic systems.
• Welcoming Beacon of Inclusivity: The statue in New York Harbor welcomes people of all origins, reinforcing the democratic principle of a nation built on inclusion.

Literary Works Similar to “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

Literary Work	Author	Key Similarities to “The New Colossus”	Specific Examples
“Let America Be America Again”	Langston Hughes	* Focus on the unfulfilled promise of America as a land of equality and opportunity. * Shares a hopeful vision of America despite highlighting shortcomings.	“Let America be America again. The land that never has been yet— And yet must be”. * Hughes and Lazarus both envision an idealized America not yet fully realized.
“I, Too, Sing America”	Langston Hughes	* Celebrates the contributions of marginalized groups to the American identity. * Shares a theme of inclusivity, envisioning America as a place where all people belong.	* The poem asserts the speaker’s place within American society: “I, too, sing America.” * Like Lazarus, Hughes highlights a vision of America for all people.
America and I	Anzia Yezierska	* Autobiographical novel exploring the immigrant experience, with themes of disillusionment and perseverance. * Shares Lazarus’s focus on America as a land of promise for immigrants.	* Both works grapple with the tension between idealized visions of America and the harsh realities many immigrants face.
The Promised Land	Mary Antin	* Autobiographical account of a Jewish immigrant’s journey to America. * Shares themes of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.	* Like “The New Colossus” it offers an optimistic perspective on America as a land of opportunity. * Both works emphasize the immigrant’s faith in the American Dream.

Suggested Readings: “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus

Books

• Cavitch, Max. American Elegy: The Poetry of Mourning from the Puritans to Whitman. University of Minnesota Press, 2007. (Contains a chapter analyzing “The New Colossus” within the context of American literature).
• Falk, Candace, editor. Emma Lazarus: Selected Poems and Other Writings. Broadview Press, 2008. (A comprehensive collection of Lazarus’ writing, including critical essays on her work).
• Moore, Christopher. The Poetry of the American Civil War. McFarland & Co., 2014. (While focused on a specific period, it includes analysis of Lazarus’s work including “The New Colossus”).

Scholarly Articles

• Pinsker, Sanford. “Emma Lazarus and the Golem of Liberty.” American Literary History, vol. 13, no. 1, 2001, pp. 1-26. JSTOR, [invalid URL removed]. (Examines the influence of Jewish themes on Lazarus’s work).
• Schor, Esther. “Emma Lazarus and the Poetics of Prophecy.” American Literary History, vol. 11, no. 4, 1999, pp. 693-719. JSTOR, [invalid URL removed] (Focuses on the themes of social justice within Lazarus’s work).
• Young, Philip. “Mother of Exiles: The Statue of Liberty and the Visual Rhetoric of Emma Lazarus’s ‘The New Colossus'”. American Jewish History, vol. 96, no. 4, 2012, pp. 367-395. JSTOR, [invalid URL removed] (Analyzes the visual imagery of the poem alongside its historical context).

Websites

• Academy of American Poets: https://poets.org/poet/emma-lazarus (Provides biographical information, a selection of poems including “The New Colossus”, and occasionally critical resources.)
• Poetry Foundation: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/emma-lazarus (Similar to the Academy of American Poets website, includes Lazarus’s biography and poems).
• The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation: https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/ (The official website; might contain historical information and additional context for understanding the poem).