An Epistle by Emma Lazarus (1887)
The poem is a sonnet that explores the theme of giving refuge to those seeking asylum. It argues that the US should open its doors to oppressed people and provide them with a safe haven. The poem also touches on the idea that the US was founded by immigrants and that it has a moral obligation to continue this tradition.
By Emma Lazarus · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Religious Literature, Historical Fiction · 3,443 words
First lines
From Joshua Ibn Vives of Allorqui to his Former Master, Solomon / Levi-Paul, de Santa-Maria, Bishop of Cartegna Chancellor of / Castile, and Privy Councillor to King Henry III. of Spain.
[In this poem I have done little more than elaborate / and versify the account given in Graetz's History of the / Jews (Vol. VIII., page 77), of an Epistle actually written / in the beginning of the 15th century by Joshua ben Joseph / Ibn Vives to Paulus de Santa Maria -- E. L.]
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and structured verse to convey its themes.
- Religious Literature — The poem explores themes of faith, doubt, and the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.
- Historical Fiction — The poem references historical figures and events, particularly relating to Jewish history in Spain.
- Philosophical Literature — The poem engages with deep philosophical questions about faith, truth, and existence.
Tags
Poetry · 19th Century · American Literature · Epistolary · Free Verse · Social Commentary · Immigration · Refugees · Human Rights · Political · Historical · Cultural Identity
What this Textopian page supports
An Epistle is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emma Lazarus, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emma Lazarus
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious Literature, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Literature, Epistolary
- Length: 3,443 words
- Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Epistle by Emma Lazarus
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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