2nd Paragraph - Fig. Language
3rd Paragraph - Syntax
In the first two stanzas of the ode, Sophocles uses words like �numberless�, �wonders�, and �timeless� to convey a tone of admiration to man's achievements in the world. These words lift man to a peak of pride that he accepts as man is considered as the greatest creature, being able to rise above the powers of nature. Man has the uncanny ability to create many things that will make him capable of conquering what he was not meant to. This tone is expressed even more in the second stanza, words like �tamed� and �resign� show that man is able to make animals do his bidding. Then there is a change in the next two stanzas. Man is all of a sudden considered as one with limitations and weaknesses. �Death� and �anarchy� show a tone of helplessness, that even though man can create to extend his time in the world, he cannot escape his death.
Fig. Language
The first two stanzas of the ode paint a perfect picture of how man�s achievements and his ability to create. Sophocles uses phrases like �holy and inexhaustible�, and �net of his mind� to show that we admire man because man can not only grow on earth�s inexhaustible land, he can reach into his mind to think of different ways to do things. The phrases �stormy-grey seas yield to his prows� and �huge crest bear him high� show that man can conquer just about anything the world throws out at him. In the second half of the ode, the images of man are completely different; maybe even the opposite of the other half. Phrases like �arrows of snow� and �spears of winter rain� show that even though man can build and create, he can never escape things that will bring him down. The expression �fate of man, working both good and evil� helps to further create a tone of helplessness in the sense that man, although a great wonder can still be prone to weakness and limitation.
Syntax
The syntax in the first three stanzas contributes to the conveyance of the tone of admiration. The syntax is positioned in each stanza to make it flow, and each stanza is single sentence. This shows that in man�s life, he can have everything going for him, and he can be very successful in the way he conquers nature. Then, in the last stanza, the tone shifts, and the syntax is jumbled up and there are five sentences in the stanza. This conveys a tone of helplessness and confusion for man, because he may think that he is �all-powerful�, but what about if man�s laws fail? Then there isn�t going to be much order in the way man lives his life.