Articles

The myth of Boethius. A psychological perspective on his autobiographical fiction

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Abstract

Boethius (ca. 480-525) wrote De consolatione Philosophiae in prison, waiting for his execution. While there is little reliable information about his life apart from what he tells us himself, a work written on death row invites the reader to speculate about the author’s inner thoughts and feelings. Although it is impossible to attain certainty on this issue, the more so because the Consolation is clearly a work of fiction meant to mythologize its author’s plight, it may help to interpret the Consolation from a psychoanalytic perspective. Combining scraps of information from contemporary sources (e.g. works by Ennodius, Maximianus, and Cassiodorus) with Boethius’ own works and reading them through a Freudian lens, this paper aims to disclose hidden layers in the Consolation, possibly shedding new light on the author’s personal drama.  

Keywords: Boethius, Psychoanalysis, Ennodius, Maximianus, Freud, Autobiographical fiction

How to Cite:

Gerbrandy, P., (2026) “ The myth of Boethius. A psychological perspective on his autobiographical fiction ”, Journal of Latin Cosmopolitanism and European Literatures 14. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/jolcel.99840