# Epilogue explained — The Consolation of Philosophy

> Chapter companion for The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Boethius

Dies by a cruel death shortly after writing The Consolation of Philosophy.

### Theodoric

Presides over the judgment seat where Boethius is executed.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/epilogue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters