# The Sphinx explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Oscar Wilde.

## What happens

The speaker addresses a mysterious Sphinx in his room, questioning it about ancient lovers and gods, then rejects it as a loathsome mystery, turning instead to his crucifix.

## Themes in this chapter

### Classical Mythology and Antiquity

The poem is steeped in references to Egyptian and Greek mythology, including gods, monsters, and ancient rituals.

### Spirituality and Doubt

The speaker contrasts the pagan sensuality of the Sphinx with the Christian crucifix, expressing spiritual conflict.

### Transience and Mortality

The decay of Ammon's statue and the Sphinx's ancient but fading power highlight the theme of impermanence.

## Character check-ins

### Sphinx

The central figure of the poem, a silent and immortal creature addressed by the speaker.

### Antinous

Mentioned as the young slave whose laughter the Sphinx heard from Adrian's barge.

### Ammon

Described as the Sphinx's bedfellow, a god whose statue now lies in ruins.

### Christ

Referenced as the 'pallid burden' on the crucifix, the only God who has died.

### Anthony

Mentioned in the context of Cleopatra (the Egyptian) melting her union for Antony.

### Adonis

Referenced as 'white Adon' on his catafalque, kissed by the Cyprian.

## Key lines

> A beautiful and silent Sphinx has watched me through the shifting gloom.

A lovely, quiet Sphinx has been observing me in the dim light.

_Introduces the Sphinx as a constant, mysterious presence in the speaker's room._

> Only one God has ever died. Only one God has let His side be wounded by a soldier’s spear.

Only one God has truly died, and only one God allowed a soldier to wound His side.

_Contrasts the pagan gods with the Christian God, emphasizing Christ's unique sacrifice._

> False Sphinx! False Sphinx! By reedy Styx old Charon, leaning on his oar, Waits for my coin. Go thou before, and leave me to my crucifix.

Deceptive Sphinx! Charon waits for my payment to cross the Styx. Go ahead of me, and leave me to my crucifix.

_The speaker rejects the Sphinx and turns to Christian faith, referencing the ferryman of the underworld._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters/the-sphinx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_18_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters