All 10 Uses of
mortal
in
Oedipus the King
- Flout then both Creon and my words, for none Of mortals shall be striken worse than thou.†
*mortals = humans (especially merely humans) or people subject to death
- 2) All wise are Zeus and Apollo, and nothing is hid from their ken; They are gods; and in wits a man may surpass his fellow men; But that a mortal seer knows more than I know—where Hath this been proven?†
- First, I bid thee think, Would any mortal choose a troubled reign Of terrors rather than secure repose, If the same power were given him?†
- But if Betwixt this stranger there was aught in common With Laius, who more miserable than I, What mortal could you find more god-abhorred?†
- 1) My lot be still to lead The life of innocence and fly Irreverence in word or deed, To follow still those laws ordained on high Whose birthplace is the bright ethereal sky No mortal birth they own, Olympus their progenitor alone: Ne'er shall they slumber in oblivion cold, The god in them is strong and grows not old.†
- JOCASTA Why should a mortal man, the sport of chance, With no assured foreknowledge, be afraid?†
- 1) Races of mortal man Whose life is but a span, I count ye but the shadow of a shade!†
- And in his frenzy some supernal power (No mortal, surely, none of us who watched him) Guided his footsteps; with a terrible shriek, As though one beckoned him, he crashed against The folding doors, and from their staples forced The wrenched bolts and hurled himself within.†
- OEDIPUS Forth from thy borders thrust me with all speed; Set me within some vasty desert where No mortal voice shall greet me any more.†
- Therefore wait to see life's ending ere thou count one mortal blest; Wait till free from pain and sorrow he has gained his final rest.†
Definitions:
-
(1)
(mortal as in: mortal body) human (especially merely human); or subject to death
-
(2)
(mortal as in: a mortal wound) causing death
-
(3)
(mortal as in: felt mortal agony) extreme or intense