SUMMARY

This thesis examines the writings of Soren Kierkegaard in the context of the social, intellectual and psychological characteristics of modernity. It is argued that, for Kierkegaard, the most pervasive and characteristic aspect of modernity is the experience of melancholy; and, consequently, melancholy- conceived as 'sorrow without cause '- is the central focus of the analysis of his writings. It is further argued that, from this perspective, the wide diversity of Kierkegaard's writings can be seen as both a coherent analysis of, and a well articulated response to, the conditions of modern life. The literary and psychological problem of the Kierkegaardian authorship is seen, thus, as defining and relating the different positions adopted by the various pseudonymous and signed works- conceived as independent authors- in relation to the general character of modern life; rather than that of harmonising these apparently divergent points of view with the hidden purpose of the 'real ' Kierkegaard. The thesis is divided into three parts. Part One deals with social and historical aspects of melancholy in relation to th