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“The New
Colossus”
Emma Lazarus
Page 493
In literature, symbols are people, places, or
events that have meaning in themselves
but that also stand for something beyond
themselves.
Examples:
 A dove may symbolize peace.
 A skull may symbolize death
 Uncle Sam symbolizes the U.S.
Government

Symbols and Symbolism
Allusion - Review
Colossus is an ancient Greek statue of
the Greek figure Helios.
 It’s on the island of Rhodes near
Greece.
 It was built to celebrate a victory over
an invading nation.
 It was over 100 ft. tall and was one of
the tallest structures of the ancient
world.
 THINK: What did this Colossus
symbolize?


Part of the poem is on a plaque on The Statue of Liberty.
• What does The Statue of
Liberty symbolize for
Americans?
• For immigrants?
• To the rest of the world?
• PREDICT: What themes do
you think the poem “The
New Colossus” will have?
Statue of Liberty

Part of the poem is on a plaque on The Statue of Liberty.
“The New Colossus”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Brazen –(adjective)
Exiles – (noun)
Beacon – (noun)
Tempest – (noun)
Yearning – (used as noun)
Wretched – (adjective)
Before you read: Find the
definitions…write down the
definitions for each word in
your notes..


Read 492 “Theme: The American Dream”
Make a list of how the American Dream has
changed over time.
With your partners…

Read the poem written by Emma Lazarus out
loud with your partners. Read it through
twice.
The New Colossus – p. 493
Discussion Questions – in your notes,
discuss with your partner and write
the answer to the following questions
using complete sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How does Colossus contrast to “The Mother of Exiles?”
Who are the huddled masses coming to America?
Which words spoken by the statue are the most
important? Why?
“I lift my lamp beside the golden door” is a metaphor.
Explain what it means.
What do you think Lazarus is saying about America in
this poem?

Quiz and hand in…
On your own…






Log in to JRUNNING to take the quiz.
Enter your first and last name.
CAREFULLY answer the four multiple choice questions. You
may use the poem to assist you with the quiz.
When you are finished, exit off.
If you do not have your iPad, waitquietly for your neighbor to
finish with their quiz and then take the quiz.
ON YOUR OWN, write a paragraph defending why this poem
is considered a Lyric and why. Also discuss one piece of
figurative language being used in the poem. You should use
textual support (ICE quote)
Socrative Quiz
“The New Colossus” Quiz. Answer on a half sheet of paper.
1.
What details tell you the old Colossus was probably huge and
warlike in appearance?
a. “Mighty woman with a torch”
c. “Brazen giant”
2.
b. “Mild eyes”
d. “Wretched refuse”
How does the name Lazarus gives The Statue of Liberty differ from
Colossus?
a. The name is welcoming to newcomers b. Mother always means something nice
b. Exile means strong like brass
d. It doesn’t; they’re the same
3.
Which statement best restates what Lazarus thinks the statue
is saying?
a. The statue’s light is important.
c. The statue is welcoming to some people.
1.
b. The statue sees lots of poor,
huddled people.
d. The statue says it will give a
home to all immigrants.
Readers can infer that Lazurus:
a. Wishes Colossus was still standing.
b. Believes in The American Dream.
c. Thinks the Statue of Liberty is pleasant.
d. Doesn’t like immigrants.
“The New Colossus” Quiz. Answer on a half sheet of paper.
1.
What details tell you the old Colossus was probably huge and warlike in
appearance?
a. “Mighty woman with a torch”
c. “Brazen giant”
2.
b. “Mild eyes”
d. “Wretched refuse”
How does the name Lazarus gives to The Statue of Liberty differ from
Colossus?
a. The name is welcoming to newcomersb. Mother always means something nice
b. Exile means strong like brass
3.
d. It doesn’t; they’re the same
Which statement best restates what Lazarus thinks the statue
is saying?
a. The statue’s light is important.
b. The statue sees lots of poor,
huddled people.
c. The statue is welcoming to some people. d. The statue says it will give a
home to all immigrants.
1.
Readers can infer that Lazurus:
a. Wishes Colossus was still standing.
b. Believes in The American Dream.
c. Thinks the Statue of Liberty is pleasant. d. Doesn’t like immigrants.
Vocabulary Check
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Brazen – like brass, as in sound, color, or strength. (adj)
Exiles – anyone separated from his or her country or home
voluntarily or by force of circumstances. (n)
Beacon – a guiding or warning signal, as a light or fire, usually in an
elevated position. (n)
Tempest – a storm (n)
Yearning – deep longing, especially when accompanied by
tenderness or sadness (used as n)
Wretched – very unfortunate in condition or circumstances;
miserable; pitiable; awful.