Summary of “The New Colossus” A celebration of the construction of the Statue of Liberty Transformed the Statue of Liberty into hope for foreigners seeking a better life in the United States. "Give me your tired, your poor…“ “I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" The blazing torch of the Statue of Liberty showed the way for more than 16 million immigrants as they steamed into New York Harbor, bound for Ellis Island. In 1903, the poem, which had done so much to define the Statue of Liberty's meaning in American culture, was inscribed on a bronze plaque inside the pedestal of the statue itself. This vision of the United States as a welcoming refuge for the world's poor and oppressed has always been countered by powerful opposing views. As long as America has welcomed immigrants, it has also fear that large influxes of foreigners will corrupt American culture, undermine American democracy, and impoverish American workers

“The New Colossus” Emma Lazarus Female author One 14-line stanza Narrative Compared to the Greek Colossus Welcoming Tone Optimistic Symbolism – “Golden Gates/ Golden Door” = Ellis Island Belief in American Dream Light of the torch is symbolic of light at the end of the tunnel Country supports homeless and unwanted Politically “Correct”

“The New Colossus” Colossus of Rhodes A statue which stood over 2,000 years ago at the island of Rhodes. Statue of the Greek titan-god of sun, Helios Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Stood at 98 feet high – making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world Constructed to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over the ruler of Cyprus Built to represent freedom Modern Day Greece

Summary of “Unguarded Gates” In 1895, Aldrich published "Unguarded Gates"  The poem can be read as a response to Emma Lazarus's "New Colossus” Aldrich's poem may strike modern readers as embarrassingly prejudiced and racist. "Unguarded Gates" represents a strain of American thought on immigration Throughout our history, many citizens have harbored deep doubts and fears about the impacts imposed on American society by foreign-born newcomers to the country.  Summary of “Unguarded Gates”

“Ungraded Gates” Thomas Baily Aldrich Male author Breaks rules of capitalization Comparison made to Eden Fearful Tone Racist Tone Unguarded Gates = Ellis Island Criticizes immigrants Pessimistic Discusses unknown cultures and gods Discusses “Foreign Tongues” Immigrants will waste achievements and freedoms that Americans fought for Politically “Incorrect”

“Ungraded Gates” Thomas Baily Aldrich Allusions Garden of Eden – Lines 10 and 11 Volga and Tartar steppes – Line 22 Racial groups of people who came Hoang-Ho – 23 Yellow River, principal river of northern China, often called the cradle of Chinese civilization. Malayan, Scythian, Teuton, Kelt, and Slav – Line 24 Again, discussing the various types of people Tower of Babel – Line 30 Goth and Vandal – Line 39 Trampled Rome Great Temples of Caesar – Line 40 Comparison made – Will be our downfall

Comparison of “The New Colossus” and “Unguarded Gates” Narrative Statue of Liberty = Central Symbol Statue of Liberty is Personified as “Mother of Exiles” America is a “Land of Opportunity” Discuss Immigration Written in 1800s Primary Sources External Conflict – Man vs Society Patriotism Nationalism Concept of Gold- Prosperity – American Dream 1st Person Point of View Both Authors born in America Acknowledge Immigrants = Low class Unfortunate Arguments/ Views about immigration Comparison of “The New Colossus” and “Unguarded Gates”

Comparison of “The New Colossus” and “Unguarded Gates” Poetic Elements Stanzas Iambic Pentameter Personification Repetition Imagery Point of View External Conflict