Boethius' Cell

The entire story takes place in Boethius' prison cell. He is awaiting his execution on unjust charges of treason.

Philosophy

Philosophy is the love of wisdom.

Free Will

One of Boethius' main confusions is how men can have free will if God knows what everyone will do.

Providence

Providence describes God's direct action over what happens in the universe.

Fate

Fate is the inevitable course of events in history as they unfold according to God's plan. It is distinguished from Providence, seemingly, because it is concerned with things very remote from God.

Rome

Rome is the city and country in which Boethius lives.

Earth

Philosophy uses the image of the Earth's tininess in relation to the rest of the universe to emphasize how trivial human ambitions are.

Philosophy's Dress

Philosophy wears a dress which symbolizes her various attributes, like her timelessness and how she is so...