The Consolation of Philosophy · Chapter
Epilogue explained
The epilogue recounts the death of Boethius shortly after writing The Consolation of Philosophy, describing two possible accounts of his execution under Theodoric: either he was cut down by soldiers before the judgment seat, or he was tortu
What happens
The epilogue recounts the death of Boethius shortly after writing The Consolation of Philosophy, describing two possible accounts of his execution under Theodoric: either he was cut down by soldiers before the judgment seat, or he was tortured with a cord tightened around his forehead and then killed with a club.
Themes in this chapter
Fortune and Misfortune
Boethius' cruel death underscores the ultimate reversal of fortune, from high office to execution.
Providence and Fate
The epilogue reflects the final outcome of Boethius' life, raising questions about divine justice and fate.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Within a short time of writing The Consolation of Philosophy, Boethius died by a cruel death.”
Soon after finishing his famous work, Boethius was executed in a brutal manner.
Summarizes the immediate aftermath of the Consolation.
“According to one account, he was cut down by the swords of the soldiers before the very judgment seat of Theodoric; according to another, a cord was first fastened round his forehead, and tightened till 'his eyes started'; he was then killed with a club.”
One version says soldiers killed him with swords in front of Theodoric's court; another says he was tortured with a cord and then beaten to death.
Details the two conflicting historical accounts of Boethius' execution.