Gonzalez Lodge, Commentary on Plato: Gorgias

ἆρ᾽ οὖν κτἑ.: the question implies doubt, and is intended to stimulate Polus' attention; but for some cause, probably dulness, he merely renews his previous question.—The meaning of εἴδωλον is made clear by Theaet. 150 e φευδῆ καὶ εἴδωλα περὶ πλείονος ποιησάμενοι τοῦ ἀληθοῦς.

τὰ γὰρ κακὰ κτἑ.: that which according to its nature can be characterized as ἀγαθόν, must be esteemed καλόν. If, however, it is κακόν, then it must be esteemed αἰσχρόν.

ὡς ἤδη εἰδότι: is a stinging rebuke to Polus.

μὰ τὸν Δία, ἀλλ᾽ ἐγὼ κτἑ.: Socrates' words implied that Polus was either too dull or too careless to understand him. Gorgias, while tacitly admitting Polus' incompetency, tries to smooth over his defeat by confessing to his own inability to catch Socrates' meaning as it is at present stated. If the master, αὐτός, cannot understand, the pupil may be pardoned for the same fault. Polus, though defeated in his attempt to rout Socrates (461 b ff.), only retires to recover breath before making a final effort (466 a).

μὰ τὸν Δία: is a real asseveration, used designedly by Gorgias, who is too much of a gentleman to indulge in oaths,—this being the only instance in this dialogue. It is significant that Polus, in spite of his heat, is likewise only once (473 a) betrayed into the common ναὶ μὰ Δία. Callicles uses oaths roundly enough, but restricts himself to νὴ τοὺς θεούς, ναὶ μὰ Δία, and μὰ Δία. On Socrates' habit, see on 449 d, 461 b.

Πῶλος δὲ . . . ὀξύς: in this re