Have you ever heard of the Statue of Liberty? It’s that huge statue in New York Harbor that welcomes people to the United States. But did you know there’s a famous poem that describes what she stands for? It’s called “The New Colossus,” written by Emma Lazarus in 1883. Let’s dive into what this poem is all about and why it’s so important.
In the poem, Emma Lazarus talks about a “mighty woman with a torch.” This woman is the Statue of Liberty. Unlike the ancient Greek statue called the Colossus of Rhodes, which was a symbol of power and victory, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of hope and freedom. She stands at the entrance to America, holding a torch that lights the way for people coming from all over the world.
The poem calls her the “Mother of Exiles.” An exile is someone who has been forced to leave their home country. The statue welcomes these people with open arms, offering them a new start in a new land. Her torch is like a beacon, shining brightly to guide them to safety and opportunity.
In the poem, the Statue of Liberty speaks to the “ancient lands” of the world. She tells them to keep their old ways and traditions, while she offers something different. She invites the “tired,” the “poor,” and the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” to come to her. These are people who are struggling and looking for a better life.
The poem ends with the statue lifting her lamp “beside the golden door.” This golden door represents the entrance to America, a place where people can find freedom and new opportunities. It’s a powerful image that shows how the United States has been a place of refuge and hope for many people throughout history.
“The New Colossus” is more than just a poem. It’s a reminder of the values that the Statue of Liberty represents: freedom, hope, and a new beginning for those who need it most. It’s a message that still resonates today, as people continue to seek better lives for themselves and their families.
So next time you see a picture of the Statue of Liberty, remember the words of Emma Lazarus and the promise of welcome and opportunity she offers to all who come to her shores.
Use your creativity to design a visual representation of “The New Colossus.” Draw or use digital tools to illustrate the key themes of the poem, such as hope, freedom, and the welcoming nature of the Statue of Liberty. Share your artwork with the class and explain how it captures the essence of the poem.
Imagine you are an immigrant arriving in America during the time the Statue of Liberty was first erected. Write a short monologue describing your feelings and hopes as you see the statue for the first time. Perform your monologue for the class, and discuss how the poem’s message might have resonated with people like you.
In small groups, analyze different stanzas of “The New Colossus.” Discuss the imagery and language used by Emma Lazarus. Each group will present their analysis to the class, focusing on how the poem conveys the themes of welcome and opportunity.
Write a letter to Emma Lazarus expressing your thoughts on “The New Colossus.” Share what you find inspiring about the poem and how its message is still relevant today. Consider how the poem’s themes relate to current events and global migration.
Research the history of the Statue of Liberty and its significance as a symbol of freedom. Create a presentation or poster that includes interesting facts about the statue’s construction, its symbolism, and its role in American history. Present your findings to the class and discuss how the statue and the poem together represent American values.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided transcript:
—
**”The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus**
Not like the 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!”
—
This version maintains the integrity of the poem while ensuring it is presented clearly and respectfully.
Poem – A piece of writing that expresses emotions, experiences, and ideas, often using a specific rhythm and style. – Emily wrote a beautiful poem about the changing seasons for her English class.
Statue – A carved or cast figure of a person or animal, especially one that is life-size or larger. – The statue of the famous author stood proudly in the center of the library garden.
Liberty – The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views. – The novel explored themes of liberty and justice in a dystopian world.
Hope – A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. – The protagonist held onto hope that she would find her family again by the end of the story.
Freedom – The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. – The characters in the book fought for their freedom against the oppressive regime.
Exiles – People who are forced to live away from their native country, often for political reasons. – The exiles in the story longed to return to their homeland and reunite with their loved ones.
Opportunity – A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. – The young writer seized the opportunity to publish her first short story in the school magazine.
Golden – Having the deep yellow color of gold, often used to describe something precious or valuable. – The poet described the golden sunset as a symbol of hope and renewal.
Door – A movable barrier used to open and close an entrance to a building, room, or vehicle. – In the mystery novel, the door to the secret library was hidden behind a bookshelf.
America – A country in North America, often referred to in literature as a land of opportunity and freedom. – The story depicted the journey of immigrants seeking a new life in America.
