The Choice by Emma Lazarus (1888)
The poem explores the idea of freedom and its limitations. It presents a speaker who is torn between the desire for independence and the need for security. The speaker describes a utopian society where individuals are free to make their own choices, but also acknowledges that this freedom comes at a cost, as it leaves them vulnerable to external threats.
By Emma Lazarus · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Religious/Spiritual, Philosophical · 260 words
First lines
I saw in dream the spirits unbegot, Veiled, floating phantoms, lost in twilight space; For one the hour had struck, he paused; the place Rang with an awful Voice: "Soul, choose thy lot! Two paths are offered; that, in velvet-flower, Slopes easily to every earthly prize. Follow the multitude and bind thine eyes, Thou and thy sons' sons shall have peace with power. This narrow track skirts the abysmal verge, Here shalt thou stumble, totter, weep and bleed, All men shall hate and hound thee and thy seed, Thy portion be the wound, the stripe, the scourge. But in thy hand I place my lamp for light, Thy blood shall be the witness of my Law, Choose now for all the ages! " Then I saw The unveiled spirit, grown divinely bright, Choose the grim path. He turned, I knew full well The pale, great martyr-forehead shadowy-curled, The glowing eyes that had renounced the world, Disgraced, despised, immortal Israel.
What this Textopian page supports
The Choice 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, Religious/Spiritual, Philosophical, Allegory, Literary Fiction
- Length: 260 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Religious/Spiritual — The themes revolve around moral choices, sacrifice, and spiritual enlightenment.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about existence, choice, and the nature of suffering.
- Allegory — The narrative presents a symbolic representation of moral choices and their consequences.
Tags
Poetry · Jewish Heritage · American Literature · 19th Century · Immigration · Refugees · Freedom · Hope · Struggle · Perseverance · Human Rights · Social Justice