Bar Kochba by Emma Lazarus (1882)
The poem explores the theme of exile and longing for a homeland. It describes the speaker's desire to return to their ancestral home, which they can only access through their imagination. The poem also touches on the idea of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving one's roots.
By Emma Lazarus · First published 1882 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Patriotic · 172 words
First lines
Weep, Israel! your tardy meed outpour Of grateful homage on his fallen head, That never coronal of triumph wore, Untombed, dishonored, and unchapleted. If Victory makes the hero, raw Success The stamp of virtue, unremembered Be then the desperate strife, the storm and stress Of the last Warrior Jew. But if the man Who dies for freedom, loving all things less, Against world-legions, mustering his poor clan; The weak, the wronged, the miserable, to send Their death-cry's protest through the ages' span -- If such an one be worthy, ye shall lend Eternal thanks to him, eternal praise. Nobler the conquered than the conqueror's end!
What this Textopian page supports
Bar Kochba is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emma Lazarus, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Patriotic, Tragedy, Epic
- Length: 172 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of heroism and sacrifice.
- Historical — The poem reflects on the historical figure Bar Kochba and the Jewish struggle for freedom, connecting to real historical events.
- Patriotic — The themes of national pride and remembrance of fallen heroes resonate with patriotic sentiments.
- Tragedy — The poem conveys a sense of loss and the tragic fate of the hero, emphasizing the sorrow of defeat.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Jewish Heritage · Romance · War · Rebellion · Ancient Times · Middle East · Religion · Culture · Tradition · Nationalism · Patriotism