The Crowing of the Red Cock
The poem explores the idea of a new American identity emerging from the diverse cultural influences of its people. It uses the metaphor of a red cock crowing to symbolize the birth of this new identity, which is strong and proud. The poem also touches on the theme of freedom and the importance of embracing diversity.
By Emma Lazarus · First published 1882 · Genre: Poetry, Political Literature, Historical Literature · 371 words
First lines
Across the Eastern sky has glowed The flicker of a blood-red dawn, Once more the clarion cock has crowed, Once more the sword of Christ is drawn. A million burning rooftrees light The world-wide path of Israel's flight.
Where is the Hebrew's fatherland? The folk of Christ is sore bestead; The Son of Man is bruised and banned, Nor finds whereon to lay his head. His cup is gall, his meat is tears, His passion lasts a thousand years.
What this Textopian page supports
The Crowing of the Red Cock 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, Political Literature, Historical Literature, Religious Literature, Social Commentary
- Length: 371 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Crowing of the Red Cock by Emma Lazarus
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Crowing of the Red Cock?
- How does this poem by Emma Lazarus fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The New Ezekiel by Emma Lazarus
- The New Exodus by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Cable Hymn by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Prayer To Those Of The Ever Greedy Eyes by Taras Shevchenko
- The Peace Of Europe by John Greenleaf Whittier
- To Pius Ix by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Political Literature — The themes address social justice, oppression, and the plight of the Jewish people.
- Historical Literature — The poem reflects on historical injustices faced by the Jewish community.
- Religious Literature — It explores themes of faith, suffering, and the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Jewish American Experience · Religious Themes · Messianic Hope · Zionism · National Identity · Cultural Heritage · Spirituality · Symbolism · Allegory