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.

• Open reader

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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

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: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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
• Readability and classroom-planning context
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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