In Sylvia Plath's poem, the speaker presents themselves as a complex and multifaceted riddle, using nine syllables to convey deep imagery and layered meanings. The references to an elephant and a house symbolize weight and heaviness, while a melon, described as strolling, evokes a sense of lightness and joy. Through vivid imagery, the speaker highlights various aspects of life, including wealth, growth, and transformation, ultimately presenting the intriguing duality of existence.

The poem captures the essence of being both a tangible entity and a metaphorical journey. The speaker's proclamation about eating green apples suggests a youthful indulgence and the inevitability of consequences that accompany life's choices. The mention of boarding a train underscores a sense of urgency and permanence, indicating that once one embarks on their path, there's no turning back. Plath's work invites readers to contemplate their own riddles as she intertwines intricate symbolism with the personal experience of life's unpredictable nature.