The New Colossus

20 pages40-minute read

Fiction

Poem

Adult

Published in 1883

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Symbols & Motifs
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Symbols & Motifs

Colossus of Rhodes

While “The New Colossus” never directly uses the phrase “Colossus of Rhodes” as being the “brazen giant of Greek fame” (Line 1), there can be little doubt it references that statue. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and as such is considered one of the major achievements of Greek civilization specifically and ancient civilization in general. Consequently, the poem uses the old colossus as a symbol for the premodern world and tradition. Significantly, that old world enjoys very little mention in the poem–only the first two lines and the opening of the statue’s address: “‘Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!’” (Line 9). Because of its dominance for so many centuries, the poem need not tell us the sort of beliefs and attitudes expressed in those previous times; they are generally known and, most importantly, they are what the subject of the poem, the Statue of Liberty, seeks to contradict and overcome.

The Statue of Liberty

Liberty Enlightening the World, the official name of the Statue of Liberty, was not made simply to be ornamentation or art for art’s sake: it is a heavily symbolic figure. The Roman goddess of liberty, lifting a torch in one hand, holding a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence in the other, is a proclamation of liberty and all its benefits to the world.

However, “The New Colossus” fails to note that the statue finds inspiration in an ancient mythological character. since that would weaken the poem’s attempt to portray the old and traditional in a negative vein. Instead, it calls the statue “Mother of Exiles” (Line 6) and envisions the figure inviting the most destitute of the world to the shores of America. As such, the poem not only uses the Statue of Liberty to symbolize America but also a certain kind of America: one that is a refuge for all. This vision of America is important to note because just how much migration to the United States should be allowed was a hotly debated topic in Lazarus’s day and continues to be so.

Light

Light is a traditional symbol for truth. Not surprisingly, a statue called Liberty Enlightening the World utilizes the concept of light by forming the figure to hold a torch. In this sense, one could say the statue sends the light of liberty out to the world. However, the poem sees the light of the torch performing a different function, saying, “From her beacon-hand / Glows world-wide welcome” (Lines 6-7). This light attempts to draw people from around the world–and not just anyone but those with the least to recommend themselves: the “‘tired’” (Line 10), the “‘poor’” (Line 10), the “‘huddled masses” (Line 11), the “‘wretched refuse’” (Line 12), the “‘homeless’” (Line 13). So the light of “The New Colossus” becomes a light of hope, which is solidified in the last line when the statue says, “‘I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’” (Line 14).

The Golden Door

The United States has long billed itself as the land of opportunity. The idea is that anyone who makes the requisite effort can achieve prosperity. “The New Colossus” endorses this belief and extends it even to the most destitute, for after the torch “Glows world-wide welcome” (Line 7) to even the “‘wretched refuse’” (Line 12), the statue says, “‘I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’” (Line 14). Making the entrance to America a “‘golden door’” conveys the idea that wealth and prosperity can be pursued and accomplished there.