Ladies to Love
Miya Shimada
Baylor University
Abstract
This project is an imaginative description of the relationships between philosophy, fortune, wisdom, and folly. These dynamics are described through a prosimetric conversation between the unnamed Dante-like character and the Beatrice-like portrayal of Lady Philosophy from Boethius’ The Consolation of Philosophy. Lady Philosophy explains her role as the love of Lady Wisdom from Proverbs and warns of the deceitful nature of Lady Fortune and Lady Folly. Ultimately, she directs the pilgrim to their true and proper Beloved. My hope is that the female figures referenced in this piece teach readers to look towards and desire higher things in a world of empty promises vying for our love.
