This Mortal Coil

This Mortal Coil

Share this post

This Mortal Coil
This Mortal Coil
The Origin of "This Mortal Coil"
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

The Origin of "This Mortal Coil"

We Get It From Shakespeare

Emma Harris's avatar
Emma Harris
May 31, 2023
∙ Paid

Share this post

This Mortal Coil
This Mortal Coil
The Origin of "This Mortal Coil"
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

The phrase "this mortal coil" has its origins in William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," specifically in a soliloquy spoken by the character Hamlet in Act III, Scene 1.

In the soliloquy, Hamlet contemplates the nature of life and death, expressing his inner turmoil and the burdens of existence. He ponders the idea of death as a release from the struggles an…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to This Mortal Coil to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Emma Harris
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More