Turns out the popular conception of Schopenhauer as some kind of embittered misanthrope is false (this is revealed mostly in the last book of the World as Will and Idea, perhaps suggesting something about the people who have outlined said popular conception). He looks upon the world sadly, but because of what he sees as the irredeemable fundamental tragedy of existence, ultimately wishing the best for mankind. For Schopenhauer, the best for mankind is nothing (renunciation). I can't help but turn to historicism here as it seems his tragic personal life made his view of reality so tragic in turn, while brilliant nonetheless. He is similar to Carlyle as a man of genius and singular vision, as well as in his theory of poetry to an extent (both connecting it to connecting with a sort of divine truth), but of course differing in that vision, a disparity which may well be attributed to national character or personal experience.
Schopenhauer might be best described as a godless Christian, valuing renunciation not for any carnal eternal reward or to please God, but essentially for itself, quelling the tumultuous will.
The ideas in the essay at the end of the volume can more or less be derived from the principal work, but the essay is still well-written and engaging, worth reading.