The Inferno · Chapter
Epilogue explained
The narrator reflects on his completed book, initially dismissing life as humbug, but then turns to the Bible for explanation.
What happens
The narrator reflects on his completed book, initially dismissing life as humbug, but then turns to the Bible for explanation. He finds a passage from Ezekiel that frames his life as a sign and a proverb, a cautionary tale. He confesses his false prophetic role and questions the nature of suffering, punishment, and demonic influence, citing authorities from Augustine to Luther, and defends his book as a truthful extract from his journal.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Punishment
The narrator sees his life as a punishment, a sign and proverb, and questions the justice of suffering.
Religion and Spiritual Crisis
The narrator turns to the Bible for answers, confesses false prophecy, and grapples with demonic influence.
Guilt and Redemption
The narrator feels irresponsible yet guilty for his false role, seeking explanation and redemption through scripture.
The Invisible and the Occult
Discussion of demons, guardian angels, and the devil's role in worldly affairs.
Characters to notice
- August Strindberg
The narrator, reflecting on his own life as a sign and proverb.
- Ezekiel
Quoted as the source of the biblical passage that frames the narrator's life.
- The Eternal
Described as leading the false prophet to speak empty words.
- Swedenborg
Mentioned in connection with reforming spirits and guardian angels.
- Luther
Cited for his belief that devils cause accidents and that some have hell on earth.
- St. Vincent de Paul
Referenced as St. Augustine, who pronounced it effrontery to doubt demons.
Key passages
“I had finished this book with the exclamation, “What humbug! What wretched humbug life is!” But after some reflection I found the sentiment unworthy, and struck it out.”
After completing the book, I initially called life a miserable fraud, but later reconsidered and removed that line.
The narrator revises his initial despairing conclusion.
“Such then is my life; a sign, an example to serve for the betterment of others; a proverb to set forth the nothingness of fame and of celebrity; a proverb to show the younger generation how they should not live; yes! I am a proverb, I who regarded myself as a prophet, and am revealed as a braggart.”
My life is a warning to others, demonstrating the emptiness of fame and how not to live, exposing my former prophetic self as a mere boaster.
The narrator accepts his role as a cautionary example.
“Who is the Prince of this world, who condemns mortals to their wickedness, and rewards virtue with the cross, the stake, sleeplessness, and dreadful dreams?”
Who is the ruler of this world that punishes people for their sins and rewards goodness with suffering and nightmares?
A rhetorical question about the nature of divine justice.
“If any reader holds it for mere invention, he is invited to inspect my journal, which I have kept daily since 1895, of which this book is only an elaborated and expanded extract.”
If anyone thinks this is fiction, they can check my daily journal from 1895, which this book expands upon.
The narrator asserts the factual basis of his account.
