Discussion Board #5
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DePaul University *
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250
Subject
English
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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Pages
3
Uploaded by siddhipatel323
Discussion Board #5 Part 1: Analysis of the Sonnet “The New Colossus”
The poem is provided here for reference and further interpretation.
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!"
1. Originally erected on the Island of Rhodes, this
colossal
Colossus was considered one
of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
a.
But who was Colossus? Describe the historical context of this mammoth
edifice.
Built in 280 BC as a tribute to the Greek sun god Helios, the Colossus of Rhodes
was a massive bronze statue. At the harbor entrance to the island, towering more
than a hundred feet, it represented the richness and might of Rhodes.
b.
What might the title “The
New
Colossus” mean or infer?
"The New Colossus" could refer to a modern monument or symbol that, drawn
from the historical significance and magnificence of the original Colossus of
Rhodes, represents a new period or a distinct set of values.
2. Why might we say the Statue of Liberty is
not
like Colossus?
a.
What kind of message would the
old
Colossus have sent to the world?
The Colossus of Rhodes and the Statue of Liberty stand for different ideals and
messages. The Statue of Liberty represents freedom, democracy, and
opportunity, whereas the Colossus stood for military might and victory.
b.
What kind of message does the lady deliver to the world about America?
Unlike the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Liberty represents the values of
inclusivity, liberty, and opportunity by symbolizing the nation's democratic spirit
and freedom for immigrants.
3.
Why might liberty be depicted as a woman? A Mother? Think about it and offer any
spiritual or secular connotations or interpretations.
Liberty is frequently shown as a woman, or even a mother, to represent protection and
nurturing, expressing the idea of a charitable, guiding force that promotes progress.
This image, which embraces values like compassion, justice, and equality, may have
spiritual overtones. Within a secular framework, it represents preserving and promoting
individual liberties, underscoring the important role that freedom plays in the
advancement and development of society.
4. What is “storied pomp”?
"Storied pomp" refers to a glorious past that is frequently connected to wealth and
dignity.
a.
What “values” of the ancient world does “the lady”
silently
reject?
The Statue of Liberty, represented by the "lady," silently upholds the principles of
freedom, equality, and human rights in place of the ethics of rule, dominance,
and military might that be frequently associated with the ancient world.
b.
What “values” (e.g., democracy) does “the lady” affirm?
The Statue of Liberty's "lady," who represents democracy, liberty, equality,
diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity, is a symbol of the American ideals of justice
and human rights.
5.
What symbols in this sonnet might give hope to immigrants? For instance, what is the
“golden” door?
The "golden door" represents opportunity, hope, and a better life for immigrants
in America in the sonnet. It refers to a warm and wealthy place where dreams
come true and where there is hope for the future.
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