From a distance Nietzsche displays an unmitigated misogyny, profoundly misread by modern deconstructionists who would turn him into a feminist. But Krell has evidence from Nietzsche's notebooks, and a drama he was preparing that Nietzsche's views on women were immeasurably more complex than either view. Nietzsche was undoubtedly influenced by Schopenhauer's On Women, an unfortunate 19th century persuasion that will read hopelessly sexist even by modernity's most conservative standards. Yet Krell reminds us compellingly of Pana and her decisive role in Zarathustra's thought. Also there was Corinna, who is the principal female character in the deferred drama Nietzsche was writing. Krell argues that she displays the philosopher's inability to find resolution for the confrontation of women with sensuality and death, only indefinite postponement.
It occurred to me as I was reading Krell that Nietzsche's ambivalence toward women could stem from his own lack of success with them. What else could prompt: "“You are going to women? Do not forget the whip!” from Thus Spake Zarathustra? Nevertheless there is a kind of irony always in his regard toward women, which strikes me as the basis for much of what he called "instinct." Krell illuminates the tension of Nietzsche's concept of belatedness, born out of his ideas about women and tragedy. Krell is writing against Walter Kaufmann, and I find him very compelling. Nietzsche's sense of tragedy is a metaphor for his own tragedy, which certainly included his relations with women. All of this must be central to his philosophy. I recommend this book for anyone who would try to understand Nietzsche better.
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