Symbolism In The New Colossus

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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. …show more content…

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

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