Short Works · Chapter
Fragments explained
This chapter introduces a collection of fragments attributed to Epictetus, compiled from the works of Stobaeus, Antonius Monachus, and Maximus the monk.
What happens
This chapter introduces a collection of fragments attributed to Epictetus, compiled from the works of Stobaeus, Antonius Monachus, and Maximus the monk. It discusses the uncertain origins and dates of these compilers, notes the obscurity of some fragments, and acknowledges that some are likely not authentic works of Epictetus.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This moment is the emotional and philosophical peak where Epictetus forces the reader into a crisis of choice,…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingCharacters to notice
- Epictetus
The philosopher to whom the fragments are attributed, though their authenticity is questioned.
- Simplicius
Mentioned in the editor's notes (Schweighaeuser) regarding the fragments.
Key passages
“Nothing is known of Stobaeus nor of his time, except the fact that he has preserved some extracts of an ethical kind from the New Platonist Hierocles, who lived about the middle of the fifth century AD ; and it is therefore concluded that Stobaeus lived after Hierocles.”
Stobaeus's date is inferred only from his inclusion of works by the 5th-century philosopher Hierocles.
Highlights the indirect and uncertain method of dating the source of the fragments.
“Some of the Fragments contained in the edition of Schweighaeuser are certainly not from Epictetus.”
The collection includes material that is not authentically by Epictetus.
Acknowledges the questionable authenticity of parts of the fragment collection.
