Meaning: The quote "The particular article ought in my opinion to be treated with absolute contempt. It is too vile to touch." by Emma Lazarus, the American poet, reflects a sentiment of disdain and repulsion towards a specific piece of written work or content. Emma Lazarus, best known for her sonnet "The New Colossus," which is inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, was a prominent advocate for social justice and a keen observer of the human condition. Her writings often reflected her compassion for the marginalized and her critique of societal injustices.

In this particular quote, Lazarus appears to express a strong aversion towards an article or piece of writing, suggesting that it is beyond redemption and unworthy of any serious consideration. The language she uses is stark and unequivocal, conveying a sense of moral outrage and revulsion. This sentiment carries a weight of finality, as if the piece in question has crossed a line that renders it irredeemable in her eyes.

Lazarus's choice of words in this quote also conveys a sense of moral and ethical judgment. The use of "absolute contempt" and "too vile to touch" suggests that she perceives the content as not just disagreeable or flawed, but as morally repugnant and deserving of utter rejection. This strong language indicates that the content in question may have deeply offended her sensibilities or violated her principles in a profound way.

It is important to note that the context of the quote is not provided, so the specific article or piece of writing to which Lazarus is referring remains unidentified. However, the intensity of her language suggests that the subject matter may have been particularly egregious or morally objectionable to her. It is also possible that the quote reflects her broader stance on the power and responsibility of written words, and the potential for language to convey harmful or dehumanizing ideas.

In the broader context of Emma Lazarus's body of work and her social activism, this quote can be seen as a reflection of her commitment to using language as a force for good and a tool for challenging injustice. Throughout her career, she used her poetry and prose to advocate for the rights of immigrants, to critique social inequality, and to promote a vision of America as a land of refuge and opportunity for all. In this light, her expression of contempt towards a specific piece of writing can be understood as a reflection of her deeply held convictions about the ethical and moral responsibilities of writers and intellectuals.

In conclusion, the quote by Emma Lazarus encapsulates a powerful expression of moral outrage and rejection towards a specific article or piece of writing. It reflects her strong sense of ethical judgment and her commitment to using language as a force for justice and compassion. While the specific context of the quote remains unknown, its resonance lies in its portrayal of a writer who is unafraid to confront and denounce what she perceives as morally objectionable content.