In Exile by Emma Lazarus (1888)

The poem is a sonnet that explores the theme of exile and longing for a homeland. It expresses the speaker's deep emotional pain and sense of disconnection from their native land, while also conveying a strong desire to return and reconnect with their roots. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with vivid imagery evoking a sense of loss and yearning.

By Emma Lazarus · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction · 617 words

First lines

"Since that day till now our life is one unbroken paradise. We live a true brotherly life. Every evening after supper we take a seat under the mighty oak and sing our songs. " -- Extract from a letter of a Russian refugee in Texas.

Twilight is here, soft breezes bow the grass, Day's sounds of various toil break slowly off, The yoke-freed oxen low, the patient ass Dips his dry nostril in the cool, deep trough. Up from the prairie the tanned herdsmen pass With frothy pails, guiding with voices rough Their udder-lightened kine. Fresh smells of earth, The rich, black furrows of the glebe send forth.

What this Textopian page supports

In Exile is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emma Lazarus, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Romanticism
• Length: 617 words
• Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for In Exile by Emma Lazarus
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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• How does this poem by Emma Lazarus fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

• A Ghost Of Yesterday by Madison Cawein
• Prayer To Tsars And Kings by Taras Shevchenko
• The New Ezekiel by Emma Lazarus
• The Exiles by John Greenleaf Whittier
• The Dying Year by Eugene Field
• After The Tournament by Madison Cawein

Genres

• Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
• Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep emotional and philosophical issues related to exile and identity.
• Historical Fiction — The poem reflects historical contexts of refugees and their experiences.
• Social Commentary — The text addresses social issues such as freedom, suffering, and the immigrant experience.

Tags

Poetry · Jewish Identity · Exile · Longing · Nostalgia · Patriotism · Nationality · Religion · Spirituality · Historical Context · 19th Century · American Literature

More by Emma Lazarus

• The New Colossus (1883)
• The New Year. Rosh-Hashanah, 5643 (1882)
• The Crowing of the Red Cock (1882)
• In Memoriam Rev. J. J. Lyons. Rosh-Hashanah, 5638 (1877)
• The Valley of Baca. Psalm LXXXIV (1882)
• The Banner of the Jew (1882)
• The Guardian of the Red Disk (1882)
• The New Ezekiel (1885)
• All works by Emma Lazarus