This detachment may be a result of Seneca’s attempt to gain favor and contrive a return from exile through these Consolatio works, instead of merely offering a friendly hand of comfort.
[2][3] In De Consolatione ad Helviam Matrem, Seneca writes his mother to console her on his recent exile to Corsica.
[1] Seneca's seemingly positive outlook on his own exile follows his Stoic philosophy teachings that one should not be upset by uncontrollable events.
This quote from De Consolatione ad Helviam, shows Seneca's presentation of his life as tolerable, and even spiritually enjoyable: I am joyous and cheerful, as if under the best of circumstances.
One scholar claims that the De Consolatione ad Polybium is an attempt by Seneca to contrive his return from exile.
(Rudich) This letter to Polybius clearly tries to gain his favor, and as well as flatter the Emperor Claudius, ironically seeking to draw empathy for himself in the process: As many tears as are left to me by my own fortune I do not refuse to shed lamenting yours.
[4]In the text of De Consolatione ad Polybium, Seneca encourages Polybius to distract himself from grief with his busy work schedule.
(Ball) However, it is most widely accepted that the tonal switch in De Consolatione ad Polybium was nothing more than Seneca's desperate attempt to escape exile and return from Corsica.
Like Seneca's other consolatory works, this consolation is constructed in the Consolatio tradition, and takes the form of an essay versus a personal letter.
In De Consolatione ad Marciam, Seneca attempts to convince her that the fate of her son, while tragic, should not have been a surprise.