How is the White Sphinx significant?

     The White Sphinx becomes a literal barrier between him and the past. He does not yet know that his time machine is within it. It states, "Then my eye traveled along to the figure of the White Sphinx upon the pedestal of bronze, growing distinct as the light of the rising moon grew brighter." (44) This contrast the symbolism that a sphinx symbolizes the rise and the fall of the sun (or RA in Egyptian culture) which is what the Morlocks are afraid of.(Morlocks will be discussed in later posts.) It is ironic, however, that the people of 802,701 still worship idols just like the Egyptians had done years ago.