Question

Consider the title of the poem. How do the differences between the Statue of Liberty and the Colossus "of Greek fame” (mentioned in line 1) develop the overall meaning of the poem? Cite evidence from the poem in your answer.


Not like the brazen1 giant of Greek fame,2


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,3 and her name


Mother of Exiles.4 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!”5 cries she


With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,


Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,


The wretched refuse6 of your teeming shore.


Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost7 to me,

Answer 1

the difference is that the statue of liberty is welcoming immigrants to the  U.S "send me these, the homeless, tempest-tost7 to me," 

Answer 2

The phrase: "the brazen giant of Greek Fame" refers to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. This was a statue of the Greek sun-god Helios, and was erected in the island of Rhodes, in Greece. The poet describes the colossus as having "conquering limbs," and contrasts this to the more welcoming and kind image of the Statue of Liberty. The poem presents the lady as "Mother of Exiles," and highlights her role in welcoming people who are struggling and suffering.