The New Ezekiel by Emma Lazarus
The poem explores the theme of Jewish identity and the longing for a homeland. It describes the prophet Ezekiel's vision of a valley of dry bones that come to life, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. The poem also touches on the idea of exile and the yearning for a return to the Promised Land.
By Emma Lazarus · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Religious Literature, Social Commentary · 204 words
First lines
What, can these dead bones live, whose sap is dried / By twenty scorching centuries of wrong? / Is this the House of Israel, whose pride / Is as a tale that's told, an ancient song? / Are these ignoble relics all that live / Of psalmist, priest, and prophet? Can the breath / Of very heaven bid these Bones revive, / Open the graves and clothe the ribs of death?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
- Religious Literature — The themes and references to biblical figures and prophecies indicate a strong religious context.
- Social Commentary — The text addresses historical injustices and the revival of a people, reflecting social and political themes.
- Historical Fiction — The references to ancient Israel and its cultural heritage suggest a connection to historical narratives.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Biblical Allusions · Prophetic Voice · Social Commentary · Religious Themes · Messianic Imagery · Symbolism · Allegory · Historical Context · Cultural Critique
What this Textopian page supports
The New Ezekiel is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emma Lazarus, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious Literature, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Literature
- Length: 204 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The New Ezekiel by Emma Lazarus
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