Anthology
The New Colossus is a famous poem written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 (Lazarus 2000). I chose that poem as it has an interesting history behind it and is related to one of the most well-known sites in the US. The unique aspect of its history is that the poem was created as a part of fund-raising company referring the Statue of Liberty. Another outstanding fact regarding The New Colossus is that it was engraved on the statue.
Ozymandias is another brief poem or to be more accurate a fourteen line sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1817 (Shelley 2012). I chose that poem it corresponds to significant historical events. Even though it is only mentioned metaphorically, the poem is related to the end of Napoleon’s reign.
The Tyger is one of the most famous William Blake’s poems written in 1794 (Blake, 2004). I chose the poem as it views religion-related questions about life and its Creator from an unusual point. In the poem Blake brings up various questions that imply that the force which created the predator also created the prey.
The last poem in the list is On His Blindness written by John Milton approximately in 1664 (Milton, 2019). The poem was chosen because it addresses an atypical subject in poetry, as Milton describes his disability through the prism of faith and duty.
The Road Not Taken is a relatively short, yet significantly meaningful poem written by Robert Frost in 1916 as a part of his book Mountain Interval. I chose the poem The Road Not Taken for multiple reasons. First, I found the rhyming and rhythmic quite unusual as each verse consists of 5 lines unlike the more common verses with an even number of lines and therefore rhymes. Second, I believe that the main idea of the poem is simple, yet deserves a considerable amount of attention, as it is familiar to any person.
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!”
The new Colossus Theme and Presentation
As already mentioned The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus has significant historical value as it is directly related to one of the most famous symbols of America. The main theme of the poem is considerably influenced by its main purpose. As the poem was written in order to collect funds for the Statue of Liberty, its main purpose was to praise the statue. However, I believe that the poem is much more than just a ‘commercial’ for a statue. It refers not only to the landmark itself, but also to the ideas and historical events the Statue of Liberty symbolizes. Lazarus (2000) states that the statue is “a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles”. Calling it the Mother of Exiles, she implies that the US is the land of exiles, who came to these lands in seek of hope, opportunity and freedom.
Another significant idea is the hospitality of America, which is emphasized by the fact that one of the most well known statues may be considered to be a beacon. Freedom and liberty are closely linked with the principles of the ‘American Dream’, hence the poem has national significance and value. Considering its main ideas, the poem may be interpreted as an unofficial anthem of the United States. Therefore, I believe, that the poem should be presented solemnly and inspiring. There are also several common steps that should be taken in order to properly perform a poem. First if all, the chosen poem should correspond with the performers inner feelings. As already mentioned, I chose the poem as it resonates with my life values and its historical aspects passionate me. Second, I would listen to other people performing the poem to get a better understanding of its flow and emphasis. Finally, I would practice reading the poem out loud in order to achieve flawless performance.
Reference
Blake, W., & Agbabi, P. (2004). The tyger (p. 94). ProQuest LLC.
Frost, R. (1921). Mountain Interval. Holt.
Lazarus, E. (2000). The New Colossus. Project Gutenberg.
Milton, J. (2019). On his blindness. London Library of Recorded English.
Shelley, P. B. (2012). Ozymandias. Journal of Singing, 69(1), 91.