What is the meaning of The Sphinx by Ralph Emerson Waldo?

Answer 1

The last stanza calls the sphinx the "the universal dame". The sphinx is womankind. Read the poem carefully and you'll find everything the poet says to the sphinx is a piece of pick up and relationship material. The poet also negs the sphinx, calling her dull and witless. Also, in the last line, the sphinx says, "Who telleth one of my meanings/ Is master of all I am". Bottom line: Tell a woman her mentality (as outlined by the poet) and you can make a woman fall in love with you. The word "one" (as in "one of my meanings") suggests that there are other things women fall for. I would guess that this is much more woman specific, a hobby of hers for instance.

Answer 2

"The Sphinx" by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a philosophical poem that explores the limitations of human knowledge and the mysteries of existence. The poem challenges the reader to contemplate the vastness of the universe and the unknowable aspects of life. It encourages introspection and a deeper questioning of one's place in the world.