The Story Behind the Poem on the Statue of Liberty

The poem on the Statue of Liberty, titled “The New Colossus,” has become an iconic symbol of the United States’ spirit of openness and refuge. Written by poet Emma Lazarus in 1883, it wasn’t part of the original statue but was later added to help raise funds for the statue’s pedestal. Over the years, Lazarus’s words transformed the statue’s meaning, making it a beacon of hope for immigrants around the world.

Who Was Emma Lazarus?

Emma Lazarus was a New York-born poet, activist, and advocate for immigrant rights. Her heritage as the daughter of Portuguese Sephardic Jewish immigrants shaped her views and deeply influenced her writing. During her life, Lazarus witnessed waves of Eastern European Jewish immigrants arriving in America, many fleeing persecution. This inspired her to speak out against antisemitism and support efforts to assist new immigrants. Her writing often reflected themes of social justice, identity, and the immigrant experience.

Inspiration Behind “The New Colossus”

In 1883, Lazarus was approached to contribute a piece of work to an auction that was organized to help fund the construction of the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. While many artists and poets were asked to contribute, Lazarus initially hesitated. However, she eventually decided to write a sonnet, driven by her compassion for refugees arriving in the U.S. to seek a better life. Lazarus envisioned the Statue of Liberty not just as a gift from France but as a welcoming figure that represented freedom and refuge.

The Poem’s Message

In “The New Colossus,” Lazarus contrasts the Statue of Liberty with the Colossus of Rhodes, an ancient Greek statue. Unlike the original Colossus, which symbolized power and dominance, the Statue of Liberty represented compassion and sanctuary. Lazarus famously referred to Lady Liberty as the “Mother of Exiles” who invites the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This depiction transformed the statue’s meaning into a promise of hope for those arriving on America’s shores.

Here’s the full text of “The New Colossus”:

Not like the brazen 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 Exiles. 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!”

The Poem’s Journey to the Statue

After Lazarus’s death in 1887, her poem faded into obscurity for several years. However, as immigration to America increased in the early 20th century, interest in her words was revived. In 1903, “The New Colossus” was inscribed on a bronze plaque and placed inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. It was at this moment that the poem became forever associated with the statue and its message.

Symbolism and Legacy

Lazarus’s words added a powerful new dimension to the Statue of Liberty’s symbolism. Her depiction of the statue as a compassionate, welcoming figure has resonated across generations, particularly during times of social and political debate over immigration policy. “The New Colossus” has come to represent the ideals of opportunity, refuge, and the American Dream.

Modern Interpretations

Today, “The New Colossus” continues to influence debates on immigration. For many, it serves as a reminder of America’s founding principles of equality and openness. The poem’s message has become a touchstone for movements advocating for the rights of refugees, migrants, and those seeking a better life in the United States.

Conclusion

The poem on the Statue of Liberty encapsulates a fundamental part of the American identity. Emma Lazarus’s words transformed a statue meant to celebrate independence into a symbol of inclusivity, one that has inspired generations to view America as a nation of hope, welcome, and new beginnings.