# Book I: The Sorrows of Boethius explained — The Consolation of Philosophy

> Chapter companion for The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius.

## What happens

Boethius laments his fallen state in prison, abandoned by Fortune and haunted by grief. The figure of Philosophy appears, drives away the Muses of Poetry, and begins to diagnose the sickness of Boethius' mind. She reminds him of past persecutions of philosophy, bids him recount his unjust ruin, and tests his mental state, finding he has forgotten his true nature, the end of the universe, and the governance of the world.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fortune and Misfortune

Boethius laments the fickleness of Fortune, who once poured gifts but now abandons him in misery.

### Philosophy as Healing

Philosophy appears as a physician to diagnose and cure the sickness of Boethius' soul.

## Character check-ins

### Boethius

The narrator and prisoner, lamenting his fall from fortune and seeking solace.

### Philosophy

Appears to Boethius, drives away the Muses, and begins to heal his disordered mind.

### Fortune

Referenced as inconstant and false, having abandoned Boethius in his time of need.

## Key lines

> Who wrought my studious numbers Smoothly once in happier days, Now perforce in tears and sadness Learn a mournful strain to raise.

I who once wrote joyful poetry now must compose sorrowful verses.

_Boethius contrasts his past happiness with his current misery._

> Blest is death that intervenes not in the sweet, sweet years of peace, But unto the brokenhearted, when they call him, brings release!

Death is welcome to the suffering, but it avoids those who are happy and only comes when it is too late.

_Boethius expresses a desire for death as a release from his pain._

> For, while yet inconstant Fortune Poured her gifts and all was bright, Death’s dark hour had all but whelmed me In the gloom of endless night.

When Fortune was kind and life was good, death nearly took me; now that I am miserable, life lingers on.

_Boethius reflects on the irony that death almost came when he was happy, but now eludes him in his suffering._

## Links

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