The end of a captivating friendship

Although Montaigne was so deeply affected by the death of La Boétie that he felt only half alive in its aftermath, the loss was nevertheless healthy for him. The disappearance of his friend gave him the leeway he needed to go to work and reflect upon himself. Montaigne, recentered by the work of writing, extricated himself from the mixture of souls that had united him with La Boétie, recovering the half of himself that he seemed to have lost when his friend’s life ceased. From then on, high up in his tower, Montaigne enjoyed good company. His voice could be heard, in conversation with his soul.