The New Colossus

Question

Emma Lazarus

1 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
5 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
10 With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to be free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Question

How does the sonnet structure of this poem contribute to its overall meaning?
Responses

A The first stanza sets up a problem and the second stanza solves it.

B The first stanza sets a humorous tone and the second stanza proves more serious.

C The first stanza sets a mournful tone and the second stanza offers hope and redemption.

D The first stanza sets up a description of the subject and the second stanza gives voice through dialogue

Answer 1

D The sonnet structure of the poem contributes to its overall meaning by allowing the first stanza to set up a description of the subject - the mighty woman with a torch at the sea-washed gates. This description creates a visual image of the statue, emphasizing her power and welcoming nature. The second stanza then gives voice to the statue through dialogue, as she expresses her mission to welcome and embrace those in need. This structure allows for a progression from description to action, highlighting the message of inclusivity and compassion embodied by the statue.