Kierkegaard's Metaphors

Public perception of Danish author Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is often skewed by the difficulties posed by his formidable philosophical thought--a perception that is not unjustified. But Kierkegaard himself attempts to "translate" his ideas into images so that any individual can appreciate them. Kierkegaard's Metaphors offers an explanation of a more accessible way to understand Kierkegaard by analysing his persistent use of metaphors. Kierkegaard's Metaphors is a comprehensive discussion of how metaphor is informed by & befits Kierkegaard's entire authorship. It surveys contemporary Kierkegaardian literature that either directly or tangentially addresses Kierkegaard's metaphorical style, & literature by literary scholars, poets, & writers who address esthetic, philosophical, ethical, & religious implications of metaphor that are on par with Kierkegaard's treatment of metaphor. Academic & public discussions about metaphor & narrative studies have been on the rise since the mid-80's, so most dialogue about narrative construction has at its point of departure a focus upon metaphor. Therefore, Kierkegaard's Metaphors is relevant to philosophy, English, & humanities students & scholars; lovers of literature & philosophy; amateur & scholarly readers of existentialism in general & Kierkegaard in particular; Christian/religious psychologists; & narrative theologians, psychologists, & ministers. Advance Praise for Kierkegaard's Metaphors: "Richard Rorty reminds us how dependent philosophy is upon the use of metaphor. Lorentzen takes this message to heart & through close readings shows that the meaning of Kierkegaard's writing is fixed as much by metaphors as it is by argumentation. [Lorentzen] has unique success in bringing Kierkegaard into dialogue with other literary artists such as Melville, Ibsen, Eliot, Hardy, & others."--Gordon Marino, Hong Kierkegaard Library, St. Olaf's College.Lorentzen, Jamie is the author of 'Kierkegaard's Metaphors' with ISBN 9780865547315 and ISBN 0865547319.