Recognition and Its Discontents: Johannes de Silentio and the Preacher

AbstractJohannes invocation of the hypocritical preacher marks the rhetoricaldramatic center of Fear and Trembling. His labor of expectoration has granted him the opportunity to measure himself against his unknown twin (viz., the hypocritical preacher) and his/their alter ego (viz. the knight of morality). As we see, however, Johannes squanders this opportunity to advance his quest for self-understanding. Refusing to recognize himself in the figure of the hypocritical preacher, he is altogether unprepared to acknowledge his own status and service as a knight of morality. Frightened by his sudden transformation, Johannes hastily steers Problema III toward the artless conclusion it receives in Fear and Trembling.

Recognition and Its Discontents: Johannes de Silentio and the Preacher Conference Paper