The New Colossus
Emma Lazarus ( 1883 )
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-tossed to me , I lift my lamp beside the golden door !”
FOR DISCUSSION :
1 . Why does Lazarus have the “ Mother of Exiles ” tell Europe to keep its “ storied pomp ” ( illustrious past )? What is truly valuable in her eyes ?
2 . In what ways has America lived up to its promise as a haven for refugees ? In what ways has it failed to do so ?
8