The Sphinx as a metaphor for Knowledge
Found in both Egyptian and Greek mythology, a sphinx is a creature with the head of a human and a body of a lion. The sphinx is known as the guardian for the city of Thebes, and when travelers come across the sphinx, they will be challenged to answer a riddle. Because of this, the sphinx has gained a reputation for representing wisdom and omniscience.
In The Beast in the Jungle, May is compared to a sphinx, which metaphorically refers to her wisdom of Marcher’s catastrophic fate. This reference can be found at the beginning of Chapter IV, where May is described like “a serene and exquisite but impenetrable sphinx.” This relates to Marcher’s belief that May is aware of what his fate is, but is just unwilling to – the same way a sphinx refuses to reveal the answer to its riddle. Moreover, it is to note that Marcher only calls her a sphinx when May falls ill. To him, it is her physical weakness that she exudes wisdom and power. May assumes the role of his “watcher,” but is unwilling to reveal what Marcher’s fate is, she can once again be likened to a sphinx talking in riddles. This altogether strengthens her reputation as knowledgeable.
The Calendar as a metaphor for the missed chances
Throughout the story, James references months of a calendar in a subtle way. This is seen in both the names of the characters and the time that they encounter each other. James cleverly utilizes seasons and months of a calendar to symbolize the cycles of nature and the passing of time, which is a metaphor for Marcher’s missed chances.
Marcher and May meet in summer, a season that connotes youth and liveliness. When Marcher has his epiphany at the end of the novel, it is hinted that it is around Autumn, a time associated with the falling of leaves. This marks the end of the vibrancy of summer, and in turn, marks the end of the relationship between Marcher and May. Moreover, May dies in April – the month between March and May. As the names of the characters resemble months in a calendar, it allows James to mark the final separation of the characters.
