Book 1, Either/Or : Chapter 1, Preface & A Fragment of Life Summary and Analysis

This work begins with some introductory material. There is a note from the translator Walter Lowrie. The editor for the edition used to create this summary is named Victor Eremita. The translator introduces readers to the author, Soren Kierkegaard. The "o" is actually the Scandinavian letter that has the diagonal line through it; this letter does not exist in the English alphabet. The translator informs readers that the translation began as a secret project by Walter Lowrie and that after his death the wife discovered the manuscript.

Following this, the work itself begins. It has the form of an epistle, opening with the almost shocking "Dear Friend," (p. 5). He makes it clear that he is writing about marriage. He then writes about messages from God...