Either/Or, Vol. 04

Kierkegaard's Either/Or can be read in multiple ways. One important possible reading at the present time is to read it as a critique of the sexual stereotyping of women (and, implicitly, the stereotyping of men as well) and gender relations that characterize modern Western thought. To mention two extremes, Kierkegaard's presenation of gender relations range from the outrageous subjugation and domination shown in the "Diary of the Seducer," with which Kierkegaard closes the first volume of Either/Or, to the affectionate and gentle love that characterizes the relation of Judge William and his wife in the second volume, where the best face is put upon bourgeios marriage.