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The Sphinx

A poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) was an American essayist, philosopher and poet, a central figure in the Transcendentalist movement. 'The Sphinx' first appeared in his 1846 collection Poems. The poem takes the form of a riddle dialogue: the Sphinx asks why humanity alone is alienated from nature's harmony, a poet answers that man's restlessness is love of the perfect, and the Sphinx replies that the poet himself is the unanswered question. Emerson uses the ancient figure of the Sphinx to explore the relationship between nature, spirit and the human drive toward transcendence. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised.

Band

Red · Complex language and analysisTypical starting range: ages 15–17

Length

long · about 1149 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Poems, Ralph Waldo Emerson

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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