Symbolism In The New Colossus

George Bush once said, “America is the land of the second chance - and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.” In “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus and “America” by Claude McKay, America is presented as a place of hope for the future. Through the use of personification, irony, imagery, similes, and other rhetorical devices, McKay and Lazarus describes America as a welcoming place made for everybody. Both poems were unique and attractive because their authors appealed to the audience through pathos; however, they differ on how they view America. McKay uses a tiger, water, and other forces of nature to symbolize America’s power, while Lazarus uses the Statue of Liberty to symbolize America and its generosity.

“America” by McKay portrays America as a force of nature that could either destroy a person or push them to greater things with time.

McKay describes America as an element of nature whether it being,“..like a flood, like tides into my blood” or, “...tiger’s tooth.” These metaphors and similes symbolize that America is a force not to be reckoned with, but can be used to reach greatness. Although America has the potential to aid a person to success, it could also be a, “..cultured hell...of terror, malice...” This imagery appeals to the audience’s pathos and makes them believe America is a two-way sword. Although it can be a place of a new future, it can also destroy a person before he or she can set a plan for a better future. The persona portrayed is of a person who has experience America's wrath, yet knows it could provide a greater future through hardships. The audience that this piece was most likely written for would be one that knows the hardships of people and what America can offer

them.

“The New Colossus” by Lazarus personifies the Statue of Liberty as a woman who represents the morals and ideals of America. Instead of using metaphors and similes to describe America’s power, Lazarus personifies the Statue of Liberty’s features and uses hyperbole to emphasize certain parts of her. The statue is seen as a, “...world-wide welcome” and is called the , “Mother of Exiles.” This evokes pride within an American audience and appeals to the audience's pathos. The audience Lazarus was targeting would have probably be sympathizers of migrants that are willing to open their homes and country to new people. The persona Lazarus creates is one that has insight into America and its history. The persona presents Lazarus as an educated individual of America who encourages migrants or refugees to choose America as their new home.

Mckay, through the use of similes, metaphors and imagery, portrays America as a place of improvement that has the power to change and the power to help or destroy a person. Lazarus; however, portrays America as a beacon of hope for the poorest of individuals through personification and hyperbole. Both authors use rhetorical devices to appeal to their audience's pathos and their personas are ones that support America and what it has to offer.