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An Analysis Of Emma Lazarus's The New Colossus

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The human population consists of all different ethnicities that are confronted with the desire to be free and not labeled to a stereotype because of their religious belief or skin color. The harsh treatments for not fitting in to what is known as the normal melting pot continues to be a reality for past, present, and possibly future immigrants. Emma Lazarus the poet of “The New Colossus” paints a vision from inside the Statue of Liberty that expresses the desire of many immigrants to join what America refers to as the greatest country. Lazarus is an active voice for her Jewish background and continues this pattern in several of her writing pieces. Jewish families persecuted by rape, murder, and arson cause Lazarus to form the Society for the …show more content…

As immigrants arrive in New York they first encounter the figure that represents a new world where they are not persecuted: A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand (Lazarus, 5-7). In this example, Lazarus presents the Statue of Liberty with a nonverbal message that welcomes the once torched immigrants. Lazarus’s phrase Mother of Exiles provides a vision of a new beginning where immigrants can feel support as they enter an unfamiliar world. Another example that provides a clear visual: With silent lips. Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free (Lazarus,11-12). It is clear to see that a large amount of people from all backgrounds and diversities desired to be free. Despite the wide varieties in social status, it is apparent they feel the same wear and tear of life. The symbolic nature of the Statue of Liberty connects all those that flee with the same hope and dreams. Lazarus is able to show how her words coincide with the representation of the massive

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