Exploring 'The New Colossus'

Exploring 'The New Colossus'

Historical Context and Significance of 'The New Colossus'

Emma Lazarus' sonnet contrasts the Statue of Liberty with the Colossus of Rhodes. It highlights themes of freedom and refuge.

What do you already know about 'The New Colossus' and the Statue of Liberty?

Symbolism of the Statue of Liberty in the Poem

The poem presents the statue as a welcoming mother of exiles, offering solace to the tired and poor, and the 'huddled masses yearning to breathe free.'

Themes of Welcome and Refuge in 'The New Colossus'

The poem emphasizes America's identity as a refuge for immigrants, engraved on a tablet within the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.

Emma Lazarus' Biography and Impact on American Culture

Emma Lazarus' poem is a symbol of America's identity as a refuge for immigrants and her contribution to American culture and the immigrant experience.

Figurative Language and Poetic Devices in 'The New Colossus'

The poem uses metaphors like 'imprisoned lightning' to represent enlightenment and freedom, and 'golden door' to symbolize the opportunity and access to freedom.

Recap: Learning Goals

Explain the historical context and significance of 'The New Colossus' poem. Analyze the symbolism and themes within 'The New Colossus' and how they relate to the Statue of Liberty. Discuss Emma Lazarus' contribution to American culture and the immigrant experience through her poetry. Identify and interpret the figurative language and poetic devices used by Emma Lazarus in 'The New Colossus'.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.