The Sphinx by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
The story revolves around a mysterious and reclusive millionaire, who dies under suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a vast fortune and a cryptic will that sparks a frenzy of speculation and greed among his potential heirs.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1876 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Classical Literature · 177 words
First lines
O glad girls' faces, hushed and fair! how shall I sing for ye? / For the grave picture of a sphinx is all that I can see.
Vain is the driving of the sand, and vain the desert's art; / The years strive with her, but she holds the lion in her heart.
Baffled or fostered, patient still, the perfect purpose clings; / Flying or folded, strong as stone, she wears the eagle's wings.
Eastward she looks; against the sky the eternal morning lies; / Silent or pleading, veiled or free, she lifts the woman's eyes.
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Symbolism — The sphinx is used as a central symbol representing mystery and strength.
- Classical Literature — The reference to the sphinx and the formal tone align with classical themes and styles.
- Inspirational — The poem is written for a graduating class, suggesting an inspirational purpose.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Novel · Feminist Fiction · Social Commentary · Women's Rights · Marriage · Family Drama · Romance · Tragedy · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Domestic Life
What this Textopian page supports
The Sphinx is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1876 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Date: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Classical Literature, Inspirational, Educational
- Length: 177 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Sphinx by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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