Is the poem “New Colossus” written by Shakespeare? This question has sparked debate among scholars and enthusiasts of literature for centuries. While the famous English playwright is renowned for his poetic works, the attribution of “New Colossus” to him remains a subject of controversy. In this article, we will explore the origins of the poem, its historical context, and the reasons behind the ongoing debate over its authorship.
The poem “New Colossus” is often associated with the Statue of Liberty in New York City. It is inscribed on a plaque inside the pedestal of the statue and serves as a symbol of freedom and immigration to the United States. The poem reads:
“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-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The first verse of this poem is widely recognized, but the question of who wrote the entire poem remains unresolved. While many believe that Shakespeare is the author, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
One of the main arguments for Shakespeare’s authorship is the style and tone of the poem. It is argued that the language and themes in “New Colossus” are reminiscent of Shakespeare’s works, such as “The Tempest” and “King Lear.” The use of poetic devices like alliteration, assonance, and metaphors is said to be characteristic of Shakespeare’s writing.
However, this argument is not without its critics. Some scholars argue that the poem’s style and themes are more closely aligned with the works of other poets of the time, such as John Milton or John Keats. They suggest that the poem’s authorship may be attributed to one of these poets or even to an anonymous writer.
Another factor contributing to the debate is the historical context of the poem. “New Colossus” was first published in 1883, long after Shakespeare’s death in 1616. This raises questions about how the poem could have been attributed to Shakespeare in the first place.
Furthermore, the poem’s original title was “The New Colossus,” and it was written by Emma Lazarus, an American poet and writer. Lazarus composed the poem in 1883 as part of a fundraising campaign to finance the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. It was not until 1903 that the poem was inscribed on the pedestal, and even then, it was not widely recognized as a work of Shakespeare.
In conclusion, the question of whether “New Colossus” was written by Shakespeare remains a topic of debate. While some argue that the style and themes of the poem are reminiscent of Shakespeare’s works, others suggest that the poem’s authorship may lie with another poet or even an anonymous writer. Regardless of the authorship, “New Colossus” continues to serve as a powerful symbol of freedom and immigration to the United States.
