In 1903 the following famous poem by Emma Lazarus was engraved and placed upon the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Think about this poem’s message. Did immigrants’ experiences reflect the hope and promise of this poem?
The New Colossus By Emma Lazarus 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!”
In order to prepare and write this essay effectively, please address the following:
- What is the message of this poem? Click on this link to help you analyze the poem. After clicking on the link, click on the “Commentary” tab to learn about the meaning of the poem. http://www.loc.gov/poetry/poetry-of-america/american-identity/aliciaostriker-emmalazarus.html
- Which immigrants’ experiences reflected the message of the poem? Provide specific examples from the readings, films, assignments, and Module Content.
- Which immigrants’ experiences did not reflect the message of the poem? Provide specific examples from the readings, films, assignments, and Module Content.
