The New Colossus

Definition

The New Colossus is a sonnet written by Emma Lazarus in 1883, which serves as an emblematic poem for the Statue of Liberty. It reimagines the statue as a welcoming mother figure for immigrants arriving in America, contrasting the oppressive old world with the promise of new beginnings in the United States. This poem highlights themes of hope, refuge, and the immigrant experience, making it deeply connected to immigration and migration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Colossus was written by Emma Lazarus as part of a fundraising effort for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
2. The poem emphasizes the idea that America is a refuge for those seeking a better life, highlighting the contrast between the 'golden door' and the 'brazen giant' of oppression.
3. Lazarus's lines 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free' have become iconic and represent America's welcoming stance toward immigrants.
4. The poem was not widely recognized until after Lazarus's death, when it was inscribed on a plaque at the Statue of Liberty in 1903.
5. The New Colossus has played a significant role in shaping American identity and views on immigration throughout history.

Review Questions

• How does The New Colossus reflect the attitudes towards immigration during its time of writing?
  • The New Colossus reflects a progressive attitude towards immigration during the late 19th century, emphasizing America's role as a haven for those fleeing oppression. Written amidst waves of immigration, it contrasts the hope associated with coming to America against the struggles faced by immigrants. Lazarus portrays the United States as a nurturing figure, welcoming those who are poor or oppressed, which encapsulates a compassionate view of immigration.
• Analyze how The New Colossus has influenced perceptions of American identity regarding immigration.
  • The New Colossus has significantly shaped perceptions of American identity by framing the nation as a land of opportunity and refuge for immigrants. Its imagery portrays America as a welcoming mother rather than a land defined by exclusion. This poem has been invoked in various discussions about immigration policy and has become a symbol of America's values, reinforcing the idea that diversity enriches American society.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of The New Colossus on modern discussions surrounding immigration policy in the United States.
  • The New Colossus continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about immigration policy by emphasizing themes of inclusivity and compassion. As debates over immigration reform intensify, Lazarus's words remind us of America's historical identity as a sanctuary for those seeking a better life. This poem not only serves as an inspiration for advocates fighting for immigrant rights but also challenges policymakers to align with the ideals it represents, urging them to reconsider approaches to immigration that may contradict its message.

Related terms

Statue of Liberty: A colossal statue located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, symbolizing freedom and democracy, gifted by France to the United States in 1886.

Immigration Waves: Periods of significant influx of immigrants to the United States, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by factors such as economic opportunity and political unrest.

Ellis Island:

An island in New York Harbor that served as the primary immigration station for millions of immigrants entering the United States from 1892 to 1954.