The New Colossus Essay

In Emma Lazarus’s “The New Colossus,” imagery is developed to help establish the theme of freedom in the poem. First, imagery is formed when Lazarus states, “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land…” (Lazarus 1). The Greek Statue of Rhodes was created to applaud the great victories by Helios and his audacious actions in battle. Though, the immediate imagery in this line indicates that the image of this “New Colossus” will be one of kind and welcoming status instead of conquest and domination. Following this, Lazarus describes in great detail this new colossus. “A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame, Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name, Mother of Exiles.” (Lazarus 4-6). The imagery presented in this line depicts the Statue of Liberty as being a mother who conjures hospitality and warmth to incoming refugees. Although
Regarded as one of the most famous American poems, this poem not only commemorates American values, but it emotionally is appealing to Emily Lazarus, who wrote the poem based on her American values and beliefs. Withstanding the test of time, this poem includes various elements that help shape the theme of freedom. Through the clear rhythm scheme and the structure, the reader receives insight as to the pattern, speed of the poem, and the poetic lines Lazarus intended to be dramatic in purpose. Through word choices, figurative language, and the various elements of poetry, the clear intention of the Statue of Liberty being a mother symbolizes the American values and its clear opposition to Ancient culture. With certain diction, the joyous tone and indefinable happy emotions are revealed as refugees open the “golden door” (Lazarus 14) and witness the American Dream. Thus, this poem installs a sense of rebirth in the eyes of the immigrants who are free to live in a prosperous and diverse nation of