Sphinx's ways to embody the uncertainty and mystery of the future in The Second Coming 

 

 

"The Second Coming" is a poem by W.B. Yeats that was written in the aftermath of World War I, a period marked by social and political upheaval. The poem is rich in symbolism and imagery, and one of the key symbols is the sphinx, which embodies the uncertainty and mystery of the future in several ways.

 

Mythical Symbolism

• • The sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, is traditionally associated with mystery and enigma. In the context of the poem, the sphinx represents a force that is both powerful and incomprehensible, reflecting the uncertainty of the times.

Destruction and Rebirth

• • The sphinx in "The Second Coming" is described as moving towards Bethlehem, evoking a sense of impending doom. The poem suggests that the old order is collapsing, and the sphinx becomes a symbol of destruction. However, in ancient Egyptian mythology, the sphinx was also associated with rebirth. This duality reflects the ambiguity of the future—whether it will bring further chaos or the possibility of renewal is uncertain.

Human Frailty

• • The human head of the sphinx introduces a human element into the creature. This fusion of human and animal characteristics may symbolize the inherent flaws and vulnerabilities of humanity. In the face of an uncertain future, human actions and decisions contribute to the mystery surrounding what lies ahead.

Spiritual Crisis

• • The poem suggests that the falcon, representing order and control, has lost its power, while the blood-dimmed tide is loosed, symbolizing chaos. The sphinx, in this context, adds to the spiritual crisis by embodying a supernatural and unpredictable force. The uncertainty of the future is intensified as traditional structures and values seem to crumble.

Apotheosis and Dehumanization

• • The sphinx's gaze is described as a "blank and pitiless as the sun," suggesting a merciless and indifferent force. This dehumanizing aspect of the sphinx mirrors the dehumanization that often accompanies times of great uncertainty. In the face of such an impersonal force, the future becomes even more unpredictable and mysterious.

Cyclical Nature

• • The sphinx is associated with cycles of destruction and creation. The poem itself hints at cyclical patterns with the phrase "Turning and turning in the widening gyre." This cyclical nature adds to the uncertainty, as it implies that the events described might be part of a larger, repeating pattern that is beyond human understanding.

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