The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus
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 · 112 words
First lines
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name mother of Exiles.
From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
-"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she with silent lips.
What this Textopian page supports
The New Colossus is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emma Lazarus, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romanticism, Political Commentary
- Length: 112 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The New Colossus 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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Genres
- Poetry — The New Colossus is a poem written by Emma Lazarus, so the most relevant genre is poetry.
- Historical Fiction — The poem is about the Statue of Liberty, which is a historical monument, so the second most relevant genre is historical fiction.
- Romanticism — The poem is written in a romantic style, so the third most relevant genre is romanticism.
- Political Commentary — The poem is a commentary on immigration and the American Dream, so the fourth most relevant genre is political commentary.
Tags
American Dream · American Ethos · American poetry · Collections · Diversity · Immigration · Literature · Melting Pot · Statue of Liberty · United States of America · air-bridged · astride