Emma Lazarus Uses Symbolism - Essay Example

?Full The New Colossus Emma Lazarus uses symbolism to convey what the Statue of Liberty represents in America. First, shecompares the Colossus of Rhodes, which is the ‘the brazen giant of Greek fame’ (Lazarus), the celebrated picture of freedom set in the Island of Rhodes more than two thousand years ago (Krystek), with the new Colossus, the Statue of Liberty which, based from its title has the same representation as its male counterpart. The Colossus of Rhodes is the statue of the Greek god, Helios whose feet are positioned to symbolize the Island to be a conquering nation (Krystek). ‘With conquering limbs astride from land to land’ (Lazarus)describes the statue which seemed to call his people ready, for attack. In contrast, the Statue of Liberty appears to be raising her torch to light the way rather than call for war. Although both statues speak of freedom, one is quite passive in its manner of obtaining liberty while the Greek version portrays aggressiveness. ‘Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates’ (Lazarus) refers to where the statue was to be erected, near the harbor just like where the famous Colossus of Rhode was set up, facing the sea where the sun seem to walk out the gates as it reflects its light through the waters. The next phrase describes the woman who is a symbol of strength who is also empowered with feminine attributes like love and care. Her torch is a symbol of light, used positively rather than in a destructive way. ‘Whose flame is the imprisoned lightning’ (Lazarus) symbolizes great power that is confined so that it will only be used to protect and preserve. Lightning is known to be destructive, burning and even killing what it strikes, used to symbolize wrath that can destroy people but with it considered imprisoned, like a confined criminal, can do no more harm to anyone. An imprisoned lightning can be considered power that can be directed by the holder, whether in a bad or good manner. The poet continues to describe the woman holding the torch as the ‘Mother of Exiles’ (Lazarus). A mother is known to be a caring, loving and guiding being. With the power of lightning at her disposal, it is thus expected for her to light the ways of her children rather than burn the path to lose them. With the power in her hand, the ‘Mother of Exiles’ can light their paths for them to be able to walk in the light towards freedom. Moreover, leaders represented by the statue can rule in righteousness, with the use of the torch that lights their leadership to be able to rule with justice. Light symbolizes clear vision, that is, leaders seeing clearly what are right and wrong, thus choosing to rule in the light rather than ruling in darkness. As a ‘Mother of Exiles’, America has long been known as a land of promise, a land where people around the globe have their dreams come true. The statue does not only represents its care to the American people but also welcomes people around the world who seem not to succeed in obtaining physical, financial, emotional or psychological freedom. ‘From her beacon-hand’ (Lazarus) means the welcoming arms of the statue which seems to say ‘welcome’ to strangers not only in the country or nearby places but from places across the seas who long to seek a mother’s warm embrace. As a mother, the woman has mild eyes that reflect the two cities which were, during the time of the author, were New York City and Brooklyn; bound together with the guiding eyes of the Mother. Although they were competitive in nature towards success, they were still considered with the ever-watchful eyes of a mother who always wants the best for her children, summoning them to work together for their good. The Mother, as she looks towards the good of her legitimate and adopted children alike, cries ‘Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!’ (Lazarus), calling the exiles to forget whatever they have left for them to be able to walk forward without any hindrances. Whatever made them unable to succeed in their past, in their former lands, they are encouraged to put down and forget so that they can have a new beginning, a fresh start that will propel them to succeed. As a land of the free and where dreams come true, this has always been the call of America to those who took their share of endeavor in the land. ‘With silent lips’ (Lazarus) shows the message of the Statue of Liberty as it is seen, easily interpreted with what she holds and she portrays with the positions of her hands, her feet and eyes that seem to say unspoken words that are mutually understood only by a mother and child who have long known each other, having a relationship that knew no boundaries. As a mother would welcome an adopted child in the family, she gives the same love and care as a foster mother however it is her desire as well for the child to treat her as a real mother. Whatever respect and love the exile might have shown to his native country, the ‘Mother of Exiles’ asks the same love in return but this needs no telling. The last four lines that were inscribed in the Statue of Liberty summarizes the objective of the nation, being open to all nations, slave and free, not for them to become slaves if they get in as slaves or free if they enter the nation’s gates as free rather are given equal opportunities to climb up the ladder of success. ‘Tired, poor, huddled masses’ (Lazarus) represent the less fortunate ones who may be weary of poverty, ignorance and other imprisonments that make one’s life difficult. These kinds of people, to the United States are openly welcome as represented by the statue. The lamp that the statue lifts is a representation of welcome, lighting the way of those who lost their way, those who are seeking acceptance and guidance. As a flicker of light gives hope to a lost person in a forest, the lamp of the statue lifted up is a sign of hope to those who are afar who seem to be falling apart from where they are. ‘The wretched refuse of your teeming shore’ (Lazarus), to the ‘Mother of Exiles’ does not see their wretchedness but their worth, what they could possibly contribute to her family as she embraces them, love and care for them, guiding her with her loving hands that spell out success for whoever seeks her counsel, her lamp. For those who find the wisdom of being helped and guided, they are not only welcome but are offered the education that could bring them to their success. References Krystek, Lee. “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: Colossus of Rhodes”. The Museum of Unnatural Mystery. 2011. Web. October 28, 2011. . Lazarus, Emma. “The New Colossus”. Title of Book. Ed. Editor’s name/s. Place of publication: publisher, year. Page/s. Print. Read More