Question
Here is the question : THE WORDS OF WHICH POET ARE ETCHED ONTO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY’S PEDESTAL?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Walt Whitman
- Elizabeth Bishop
- Langston Hughes
- Emma Lazarus
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Poet Emma Lazarus, who diligently helped refugees as a social activist, wrote the sonnet “The New Colossus” in 1883. The bronze plaque with the text was put to the Statue of Liberty in 1903. The famous lines “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” are featured.
The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and hope, stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, welcoming millions of visitors from around the world. While the statue itself is a magnificent work of art, it is the words etched onto its pedestal that truly capture the essence of its significance. These words, written by the poet Emma Lazarus, have become synonymous with the spirit of the Statue of Liberty and its message of inclusivity and refuge.
Emma Lazarus, a Jewish-American poet, penned the famous sonnet titled “The New Colossus” in 1883. Her words were later selected to be engraved on a bronze plaque and mounted on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, adding an extra layer of meaning to this iconic landmark. The poem itself reflects Lazarus’ deep empathy for immigrants and her belief in the United States as a haven for those seeking a better life.
The opening lines of “The New Colossus” have become particularly well-known: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” These words encapsulate the welcoming nature of the United States, offering solace and refuge to those fleeing oppression and seeking a fresh start. Lazarus’ poem serves as a reminder of the nation’s foundation as a land of immigrants, and the Statue of Liberty stands as a physical embodiment of this ideal.
Lazarus’ choice of words is powerful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the Statue of Liberty’s role in the lives of those who come to its shores. The poem continues, “Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” These lines convey a sense of compassion and openness, emphasizing the importance of providing sanctuary to those in need. The Statue of Liberty, with its torch held high, serves as a guiding light for those in search of a better future.
It is worth noting that the inclusion of Lazarus’ poem on the pedestal was not an original part of the statue’s design. The idea to engrave her words came about as a result of efforts to raise funds for the statue’s pedestal. Lazarus’ friend, Georgina Schuyler, initiated a campaign to solicit donations, and in doing so, she recognized the potential of Lazarus’ poem to amplify the statue’s symbolic meaning. With the approval of the statue’s designer, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, Lazarus’ words found their permanent home on Liberty Island.
Over time, “The New Colossus” has become an integral part of American culture and identity. It has come to represent the nation’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and valuing diversity. Lazarus’ words have resonated with generations of Americans and immigrants alike, reminding us of the importance of compassion and understanding in a world often characterized by division and fear.
Emma Lazarus’ poem, “The New Colossus,” etched onto the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, serves as a timeless reminder of the United States’ role as a haven for those seeking freedom and opportun