What is sphinx of black quartz?

The Sphinx of Black Quartz is a poem written by American poet Edgar Allan Poe. It was first published in 1845 as part of a collection entitled "The Raven and Other Poems". The poem is notable for its use of unusual and obscure words, as well as its intricate and complex rhyme scheme.

The poem is written in the form of a riddle, with the Sphinx of Black Quartz being the answer to the puzzle. The Sphinx is portrayed as an enigmatic and mysterious figure, capable of confounding even the most learned and intelligent of men. The use of black quartz as a descriptor of the Sphinx lends an air of mystery and otherworldliness to the poem.

In addition to its literary significance, the Sphinx of Black Quartz has also been interpreted as a symbol of the human mind and the quest for knowledge. The Sphinx's ability to distort reality and confound the intellect has been seen as a metaphor for the ways in which the mind can play tricks on us and obstruct our search for truth.

Overall, the Sphinx of Black Quartz remains one of Poe's most enigmatic and thought-provoking poems, celebrated for its linguistic virtuosity and philosophical depth.