Either/Or Read as Bildungsroman

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In this article, I investigate Either/Or’s generic affinity with the Bildungsroman. I demonstrate that it both imitates the topological structure (home-homeless-home) of this genre and that it is likewise composed of a number of formation narratives and tropes that mirror the Bildungsroman. This is documented by following the development of an often-overlooked textual figure at the conclusion of the second part of Either/Or and through a reading of “The Seducer’s Diary” as a demonic Bildungsroman with maieutic implications. Finally, I examine the relationship between the Bildungsroman and the Entwicklungsroman [novel of development] with particular attention to Kierkegaard’s late authorship.
Translated title of the contributionEnten-Eller læst som dannelsesroman
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationKierkegaard Studies - Yearbook 2022
EditorsHeiko Schulz, Jon Stewart, Karl Verstrynge
Number of pages30
Volume2022
PublisherDe Gruyter
Publication date2022
Pages3-33
Article number1
Publication statusPublished - 2022

ID: 310960251