Key Points:
- Alexandra Dutton faces a harsh immigration process in 1923 season 2, episode 3, reflecting on America’s contradictions.
- She recites lines from Emma Lazarus’ sonnet on the Statue of Liberty, questioning America’s promise of freedom.
- She also quotes Walt Whitman to assert her control over her own fate, demonstrating her resilience and growth.
Alexandra’s Statue Of Liberty Quote in 1923 Season 2 Episode 3
Alex Reads an Emma Lazarus Sonnet
In 1923 season 2, episode 3, Alexandra Dutton experiences one of the most grueling moments of her journey as she arrives at Ellis Island. As part of the dehumanizing immigration process, she is subjected to intense questioning about her marriage and background. During this ordeal, Alexandra recites lines from The New Colossus, a famous sonnet by Emma Lazarus, which is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.
The lines she quotes are:
“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!”
Alex’s decision to recite these words is deeply ironic. The sonnet, meant to symbolize America as a land of hope and opportunity, starkly contrasts with the harsh treatment she endures. Rather than feeling welcomed, Alexandra feels stripped of her dignity, as immigration officials doubt the legitimacy of her marriage to Spencer Dutton and scrutinize her every move.
By referencing this poem, Alexandra highlights the hypocrisy of America’s promise to embrace newcomers, showing how its reality does not always align with its ideals. This moment encapsulates the challenges many immigrants faced in the 1920s, reinforcing 1923’s commitment to historical realism.
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Alexandra’s Walt Whitman Quote in 1923 Season 2 Episode 3
Alex Quotes Walt Whitman To Prove She Can Read
During another moment in her interrogation, Alexandra is asked whether she possesses any trade skills. As a test, she is given a book of Walt Whitman poems and asked to read aloud. Rather than choosing the first passage she sees, Alexandra selects a segment that resonates with her situation:
“O, to be a ruler of life—not a slave.
And nothing exterior shall ever take command of me.
Re-examine all you’ve been told and dismiss that.”
This passage is a combination of lines from “A Song of Joys” and another famous Whitman quote. It appears that Taylor Sheridan intentionally altered and merged these phrases to create a moment that fits Alexandra’s arc.
By choosing these words, Alexandra reaffirms her autonomy. Despite being subjected to an oppressive process, she asserts that no external force can dictate her identity or future. This moment symbolizes her character’s resilience and the growth she has undergone throughout the series.
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The Meaning Behind Alexandra’s Quotes in 1923 Season 2 Episode 3
Both quotes reflect Alexandra’s inner turmoil as she navigates the barriers placed before her. The Statue of Liberty sonnet illustrates her disillusionment with America’s promise of freedom, while the Walt Whitman passage reaffirms her determination to shape her own destiny.
These literary references also emphasize 1923’s themes of struggle, identity, and resilience. Alexandra’s journey is not just a physical one but a test of her spirit, making her one of the series’ most compelling characters.
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In 1923 season 2, episode 3, Alexandra Dutton’s quotations from Emma Lazarus and Walt Whitman highlight her emotional and intellectual depth. These moments serve as powerful commentary on immigration, personal freedom, and the challenges faced by outsiders in early 20th-century America. As Alexandra’s journey continues, her resilience will likely play a pivotal role in the unfolding events of 1923.
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