Poem Analysis - The Sphinx

Introduction to The Sphinx

The poem The Sphinx by Oscar Wilde presents a vivid and intricate exploration of desire, mythology, and the passage of time. The tone shifts from reverential and curious to impatient and repulsed, reflecting the speaker's complex relationship with the Sphinx. Wilde's use of rich, sensual imagery and mythological references creates a dreamlike atmosphere, drawing the reader into a world where ancient deities and monstrous creatures coexist. The poem's form, with its long, flowing lines and elaborate descriptions, supports the themes of timelessness and the enduring power of myth.

Themes of Desire and Sensuality

The poem delves deeply into the theme of desire, particularly the speaker's fascination with the Sphinx's sensual and mysterious allure. The speaker's initial invitation to the Sphinx to come forth and be touched is laden with erotic imagery. Lines such as let me stroke your throat and see your body spotted like the Lynx and let me touch those curving claws of yellow ivory evoke a sense of intimate, almost predatory, desire. This theme is further developed through the speaker's vivid imagination of the Sphinx's past lovers, ranging from mythical creatures to ancient gods, highlighting the timeless and universal nature of desire.

Themes of Time and Mortality

The contrast between the Sphinx's eternal existence and the speaker's fleeting life is a central theme. The Sphinx has witnessed centuries of history, from the time of Isis and Osiris to the reign of Cleopatra, while the speaker has only seen a few summers. This contrast is emphasized through the speaker's questions about the Sphinx's experiences, such as O tell me, were you standing by when Isis to Osiris knelt? and Did you watch the Egyptian melt her union for Antony. The theme of mortality is also present in the speaker's eventual rejection of the Sphinx, where the speaker expresses a desire to return to a more spiritual, less sensual life, as seen in the lines leave me to my crucifix, whose pallid burden, sick with pain, watches the world with wearied eyes.

Themes of Myth and Reality

The poem explores the blurred line between myth and reality, with the Sphinx serving as a bridge between the two worlds. The Sphinx's presence in the speaker's room is both a physical and a mythical reality, as the speaker addresses it as a real entity while also acknowledging its mythological significance. This theme is further developed through the speaker's imaginings of the Sphinx's past, which are filled with mythical creatures and ancient deities. The poem ultimately questions the nature of reality and the power of myth to shape our perceptions and desires.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The Sphinx itself is the most prominent symbol in the poem, representing timelessness, mystery, and sensual allure. The speaker's fascination with the Sphinx's physical attributes, such as its eyes, claws, and fur, underscores its role as a symbol of desire. The Sphinx's ability to read hieroglyphs and converse with mythical creatures further emphasizes its role as a symbol of ancient wisdom and mystery. The speaker's eventual rejection of the Sphinx, however, suggests that the Sphinx may also symbolize the dangers of unbridled desire and the allure of the sensual over the spiritual. The poem's vivid imagery of ancient Egypt, with its temples, gods, and mythical creatures, serves to immerse the reader in a world where myth and reality coexist, further emphasizing the theme of the blurred line between the two.

Conclusion

The Sphinx by Oscar Wilde is a rich and complex exploration of desire, time, and the power of myth. Through its vivid imagery and elaborate descriptions, the poem draws the reader into a world where ancient deities and monstrous creatures coexist, blurring the line between myth and reality. The speaker's complex relationship with the Sphinx, shifting from fascination to rejection, reflects the poem's themes of the dangers of unbridled desire and the enduring power of myth. Ultimately, the poem invites the reader to consider the nature of reality and the role of myth in shaping our perceptions and desires.