In Emma Lazarus’ “The New Colossus” she talks about the Statue of Liberty and the meaning behind it. Even though this poem is short, it has a lot of meaning that goes beyond the text. This poem is engraved on a plaque and is displayed inside the Statue of Liberty. The Main theme of this poem is to welcome immigrants into America to get provided freedom from their home countries and opportunities provided in America.
One line in this poem that stands out the most is when Lazarus says, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” This quote really focuses on explaining that all immigrants are welcome to the United States, no matter how poor you are, no matter what situation you are in. Secondly, Lazarus is comparing the Statue of Liberty to one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossus of Rhodes. She not only compares these two, she says the Statue of liberty is the “new” Colossus, implying that it is better than the first one. This is shows how Emma explains the importance of the statue of liberty, especially to immigrants. In conclusion, the main theme of this poem is the acceptance and invitation to all immigrants in the United States, no matter their physical or financial state of being.
Hope one of them help :)
