Fear and Trembling

by

Søren Kierkegaard

Agnete Character Analysis

A beautiful and innocent young woman that the Merman tries to seduce and lure into the ocean. The Merman succeeds in getting Agnete close to the ocean, but when he sees so much trust and humility in her eyes, he decides he can’t go through with the seduction. After that, the Merman could make several different choices to repent of his actions, including to hide from Agnete or save himself by marrying her. Agnete is ignorant of the Merman’s true motives and character, which is why she’s able to trust and love him.
Get the entire Fear and Trembling LitChart as a printable PDF.
Fear and Trembling PDF

Agnete Character Timeline in Fear and Trembling

The timeline below shows where the character Agnete appears in Fear and Trembling. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Problema 3: Was it Ethically Defensible of Abraham to Conceal his Purpose from Sarah, from Eleazar, from Isaac?
Faith and the Absurd Theme Icon
Infinite Resignation Theme Icon
...and now Johannes will share a similar story that has to do with the demonic: Agnete and the Merman. The Merman is a seducer who lures innocent women to the ocean... (full context)
Faith and the Absurd Theme Icon
Infinite Resignation Theme Icon
...choosing to be a concealer; on the other hand, if he chooses to be with Agnete, then he’ll have to disclose himself. Agnete will be unhappy if he chooses the former... (full context)
Faith and the Absurd Theme Icon
Infinite Resignation Theme Icon
...himself from the demonic in two ways: stay hidden and hope the divine will save Agnete or be saved by marrying Agnete. Johannes says it’s important for him to point out... (full context)