The New Colossus

 Name: __________________________________ Class: ________________________________ The New Colossus By Emma Lazarus “The New Colossus” is a poem by Emma Lazarus that was published in 1883. It describes the millions of immigrants who came to America through the port of New York City at Ellis Island. As you read, consider how it must have felt to be one of the immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. Then, look for evidence to answer this important question: What makes America unique? On the way to Ellis Island, incoming boats sail past the Statue of Liberty. This poem is by engraved on a bronze plaque inside the lower level of the pedestal. Not like the brazen1 giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-­‐washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles2. From her beacon-­‐hand Glows world-­‐wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-­‐bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “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!” 1
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Brazen: (adjective) bold; without shame or humility Exile: (noun) a person who can’t return to his or her native country Text-­‐Based Questions: Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences. 1. How is the Statue of Liberty personified in this poem? What does she represent? ________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________ 2. According to the author, how is Lady Liberty different than “the brazen giant of greek fame” (line 1)? ________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________ 3. What is the overall message of this poem? Who is the intended audience? ________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________ 4. Based on the evidence in this poem, what can you conclude about the countries from which these immigrants came? ________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________ Discussion Questions: Directions: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared to share your original ideas in a class discussion. 1. In your opinion, why did so many people immigrate to the United States? 2. Do you think that our country is as welcoming to immigrants as this poem implies? Explain your answer. 3. What makes America unique? Use evidence from this text, your own experience, and other art, literature or history in your answer. For Teachers Suggested Text Pairings from CommonLit: “Shut The Door” Speech During a 1924 congressional debate on immigration, a senator from South Carolina argued that we should “shut the door and breed up a pure, unadulterated American citizen.” Find the text on CommonLIt’s website (Prejudice & Discriminationà What are the effects? à 9th-­‐10th Grade Reader). “Fish Cheeks” by Amy Tan (Short Story) To analyze a modern-­‐day immigrant experience: A first-­‐person short story by the Chinese-­‐
American writer Amy Tan. Find the text on CommonLIt’s website (Identityà Can you change your identity? à 5th-­‐6th Grade Reader). More Teaching Resources Related to “The New Colossus” • A biography of Emma Lazarus at Poets.org • An expanded unit on immigration from EngageNY featuring photos, and multiple descriptions of the immigrant experience.