The New Colossus is a poem written by Emma Lazarus in 1883. It is best known for its lines at the base of the Statue of Liberty, which reads: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” The poem is a plea to the United States to open its doors to the world’s oppressed and downtrodden. It speaks of the Statue of Liberty as a beacon of hope and freedom, and of the United States as a refuge for those seeking a better life. The poem also speaks of the United States’ responsibility to help those in need, and of the nation’s potential to become a great and powerful nation. The poem has become an iconic symbol of the United States’ commitment to freedom and justice, and has been quoted by presidents, activists, and citizens alike. It is a reminder of the nation’s promise to provide a safe haven for those in need, and of the nation’s potential to become a great and powerful nation.
By Emma Lazarus · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romanticism