“The New Colossus”
This poem’s opening line speaks of “the brazen giant of Greek of fame.” This is an allusion to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the giant statue known as the Colossus of Rhodes which was large enough for each foot to stand on land separating the entrance to a harbor. The symbolism is invested in the concept of the Statue of Liberty being a “New” version of this. The original statue was designed to intimidate potential invaders from another civilization while Lady Liberty, of course, welcomes those from elsewhere.
“Mother of Exiles”
In her poem, Lazarus gives the statue a name: Mother of Exiles. The statue would of course eventually go on to become known as Lady Liberty and commonly referred to as the State of Liberty. The original name carries a symbolic dimension that speaks to the fundamental concept of America as a haven for the outcast of the rest of the world. In light of some politicians trying to reinterpret the poem’s meaning, it is too bad that this name didn’t stick and it is nearly revision-proof.
The Torch
The most famous single element of the Statue of Liberty is almost certain beyond argument: the giant torch she holds aloft high above her head in her outstretched hand. The sculptor’s symbolic rationale for this accoutrement differs from the poet: he invested it as pure symbolism representing the statue’s presence enlightening the world with reason. Lazarus, on the other hand, makes the torch a combination of the literal and figurative. Since the torch essentially transform the merely decorative statue into a useful lighthouse, it becomes a symbolic beacon that welcomes everyone around the world even when they can’t actually see the torchlight. The reference to “imprisoned lightning” illuminating the torch adds the additional symbolic level of investment the statue with the godlike powers of its ancient Greek predecessor.
“A Mighty Woman”
The Mother of Exiles is first described as “a mighty woman with a torch” which creates a very distinct symbolic concept altogether, disconnected from the torch symbolism of the torch itself. The statue is not merely a woman, but the collective ideal of womanhood and what is being asked of her requires a mightiness equal to that of old Colossus: she stands alone in the harbor as both guardian and protector enticing the world’s exiles to follow the beam of her light guiding their way steadfastly and safety .That torch, lit captured lightning, is a heavy burden to bear and her grip must never be allowed to grow weary nor must the light ever be extinguished. All in all, it does seem like a job only someone who can be a daughter, wife and mother equally all at the same time is up to doing.
The Golden Door
The poem concludes with the imagery of its final symbol: “the golden door.” Metaphorically speaking, this door did not have to be golden to fulfill its symbolic status representing the literal entryway to America for those arriving from distant shores. It is significant that the door to America is “golden.” Gold is the ultimate symbol of wealth and wealth equals opportunity. Thus, “the golden door” symbolized the pathway to opportunities to improve one’s status which at the time was much more limited for most immigrants arriving from places where aristocratic class systems set limits upon their opportunities at the moment of birth.
