# Solomon — A Confession character guide

> Solomon in A Confession by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** a Solomon

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Who they are

Biblical king referenced for his wisdom and pessimistic reflections on life's vanity.

## Relationships

### [Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters/narrator)

_psychological_

The narrator is deeply obsessed with Solomon's wisdom and existential despair, using his words to fuel his own crisis of meaning.

### [Schopenhauer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters/schopenhauer)

_psychological_

Schopenhauer's pessimistic worldview is intellectually aligned with Solomon's lamentations on vanity, creating a philosophical resonance.

### [Buddha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters/buddha)

_psychological_

Both figures represent ancient wisdom on suffering and the futility of worldly desires, providing parallel insights for the narrator.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/vi)

Quoted from Ecclesiastes on the vanity of all things under the sun.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/vii)

Quoted as an example of epicureanism—advocating eating, drinking, and merrymaking despite life's vanity.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned as one of the wise thinkers whose conclusions about life's vanity the narrator initially accepted.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/ix)

Cited as one who, along with Schopenhauer, saw life as an evil yet continued living.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/x)

Referenced as an example of one who sought epicurean consolation on his deathbed, contrasting with the genuine faith of the masses.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters/solomon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters