The Sphinx by Edgar Allan Poe (1838)
This work is a short story that explores the theme of mystery and deception. It revolves around an enigmatic figure who poses riddles to those who dare approach her, with the promise of great reward for solving them correctly. The protagonist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the Sphinx's identity and motivations, but ultimately finds himself trapped in a labyrinth of his own making.
By Edgar Allan Poe · First published 1838 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Horror · 2,071 words
First lines
During the dread reign of cholera in New York, I had accepted the invitation of a relative to spend a fortnight with him in the retirement of his cottage ornée on the banks of the Hudson. We had here around us all the ordinary means of summer amusement; and what with rambling in the woods, sketching, boating, fishing, bathing, music, and books, we should have passed the time pleasantly enough, but for the fearful intelligence which reached us every morning from the populous city. Not a day elapsed which did not bring us news of the decease of some acquaintance. Then as the fatality increased, we learned to expect daily the loss of some friend. At length we trembled at the approach of every messenger. The very air from the South seemed to us redolent with death. That palsying thought, indeed, took entire possession of my soul. I could neither speak, think, nor dream of anything else. My host was of a less excitable temperament, and, although greatly depressed in spirits, exerted himself to sustain my own. His richly philosophical intellect was not at any time affected by unrealities. To the substances of terror he was sufficiently alive, but of its shadows he had no apprehension.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sphinx is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, dated 1838 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Allan Poe
- Date: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Horror, Fantasy, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,071 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Sphinx by Edgar Allan Poe
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Sphinx?
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- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Graves And Goblins by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Dream by Hilaire Belloc
- Alone The Immortals by Lord Dunsany
- The Workman by Lord Dunsany
- Shadow by Edgar Allan Poe
- Truth And The Traveller by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The work features elements of horror, the supernatural, and psychological terror, characteristic of Gothic literature.
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative includes deep discussions on belief, perception, and the nature of reality, reflecting philosophical themes.
- Psychological Horror — The protagonist's descent into fear and madness, along with the exploration of mental states, aligns with psychological horror.
- Fantasy — The depiction of a monstrous creature and the blending of reality with the fantastical elements suggest a fantasy genre.
Tags
Mystery · Symbolism · Philosophy · Psychology · Fiction · Short Story · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Gothic Fiction · Supernatural Fiction