The New Colossus
by Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering arms that from the 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 worldwide 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!
Understanding “The New Colossus”
Emma Lazarus’s sonnet, “The New Colossus,” is a powerful and moving poem written in 1883. It was originally penned to raise funds for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. However, its significance extends far beyond fundraising. The poem contrasts the Statue of Liberty with the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Colossus represented military might and conquest, while Lazarus presents the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of welcome, hope, and opportunity for immigrants. Ultimately, “The New Colossus” declares America a haven for those seeking refuge and a new life, becoming an enduring expression of American ideals.
Central Idea and Key Themes
The poem’s central idea is a deliberate contrast between ancient and modern conceptions of monumental statues. The Colossus of Rhodes celebrated power achieved through conquest. The Statue of Liberty, in contrast, symbolizes compassion, acceptance, and a commitment to offering refuge. Key themes include immigration, freedom, hope, and the welcoming spirit of America. Lazarus reimagines the role of a colossal statue, shifting its focus from military dominance to humanitarianism.
Historical Context
Understanding the historical context enriches the poem’s meaning. In the late 19th century, the United States experienced a surge in immigration, primarily from Europe. This influx sparked both opportunity and prejudice. Lazarus, herself an immigrant—her family fled persecution in Germany—recognized the struggles faced by newcomers and used her poem to advocate for a more compassionate and inclusive America.
In-Depth Analysis of the Poem
Lines 1-8: Contrasting Giants
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering arms that from the 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 worldwide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
The poem immediately establishes a contrast with the opening line, “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame.” This phrase directly opposes the Statue of Liberty to the Colossus of Rhodes. The “conquering arms that from the land to land” depict the Colossus as a figure of dominion and territorial control. In contrast, the Statue of Liberty is presented as a “mighty woman” – a symbol of nurturing and strength. Her “torch,” containing the “imprisoned lightning,” is not a weapon but a beacon of hope and enlightenment. The epithet “Mother of Exiles” is particularly significant. It establishes a maternal, welcoming role for the statue, extending compassion to those who have been forced to leave their homelands. The imagery of “sea‑washed, sunset gates” evokes a sense of arrival and promise, while the “air bridged harbor” connects the statue to the bustling cities of New York and Brooklyn.
Lines 9-12: A Call for Compassion
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.”
These lines are the heart of the poem’s message. The statue “cries,” though “with silent lips,” to the “ancient lands,” urging them to keep their storied pomp. She then makes a direct request, asking them to send her “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.” The repetition of “your” emphasizes that the statue isn’t rejecting these people; she’s asking other nations to share the responsibility of caring for them. The phrase “wretched refuse” is deliberately provocative. It acknowledges the desperation of those seeking refuge but also challenges the reader to recognize their inherent worth. Lazarus doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of immigration but frames them as a moral imperative.
Lines 13-14: The Golden Door
Send these, the homeless, tempest‑tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
The final couplet solidifies the poem’s central theme of welcome and hope. The “homeless, tempest‑tost” are those who have been displaced by hardship and misfortune. The statue offers them sanctuary, promising a new beginning. The “golden door” is a metaphor for America itself—an land of opportunity and promise. By stating “I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” the statue assumes a guiding role, illuminating the path for those seeking a better life. The image is profoundly hopeful and has become deeply embedded in the American imagination.
Literary and Poetic Devices
Metaphor and Symbolism
The entire poem is rich in metaphor and symbolism. The Statue of Liberty is not simply a statue; she is a symbol of hope, freedom, and acceptance. The “golden door” represents America, while the “torch” symbolizes enlightenment and opportunity. The “tempest‑tost” are a metaphor for the hardships faced by immigrants.
Imagery
Lazarus uses vivid imagery to create a powerful emotional impact. Phrases like “sea‑washed, sunset gates” and “huddled masses” evoke strong visual images and help the reader connect with the poem’s themes. The use of light and darkness—the “torch” versus the “tempest”—creates a symbolic contrast between hope and despair.
Personification
The personification of the Statue of Liberty is central to the poem’s effectiveness. The statue “cries,” “commands,” and “lifts her lamp,” giving her a voice and agency. This personification allows the reader to connect with the statue on a more personal level.
Sonnet Form
“The New Colossus” is a Petrarchan sonnet, a fourteen‑line poem with a specific rhyme scheme (ABBAABBA CDCDCD). This traditional form lends a sense of dignity and timelessness to the poem. The sonnet form also allows Lazarus to present a complex argument in a concise and structured manner.
Quotes for Reflection and Use
- For Speeches or Writings on Immigration: “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This poignant excerpt encapsulates the poem’s central message of welcome and compassion.
- For Reflections on Hope and Opportunity: “I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” This powerful image evokes the promise of a better life and the enduring spirit of America.
- For Understanding American Ideals: The entire poem serves as a powerful statement of American values, emphasizing the importance of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all.
“The New Colossus” remains a deeply resonant poem, continuing to inspire and challenge readers to embrace a more compassionate and inclusive world. Its enduring message of hope and welcome continues to shape our understanding of America and its role as a beacon of freedom for all.