Individual and Type in Arthur Schnitzler's "Liebelei"

Although Schnitzler's Liebelei was a very great theatrical success, it has been neglected in the critical literature. This discrepancy is a consequence of a mistaken tendency to group the play with those of Schnitzler's works that describe various stereotypes. Some critics, however, have recognized that Christine transcends the typical süße Mädel. Fritz too must be perceived as an individual with some depth, and, seen in this way, his actions afford a new perspective on the motivations behind his treatment of Christine. The article places the play in the context of Kierkegaard's philosophy and at the same time finds relevant parallels to Kierkegaard's life.