Sorrows Of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Penguin Classics)

Description

“The Sorrows of Young Werther” is a novel written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and published in 1774. It is considered one of the most important works of German literature and a key example of the Sturm und Drang movement.

The novel is written in the form of letters and journals, narrated by the protagonist, Werther. It tells the story of a young artist named Werther who falls passionately in love with a young woman named Lotte, who is already engaged to another man. Werther’s unrequited love and his inability to be with Lotte lead him into a deep state of emotional turmoil and despair.

As the story progresses, Werther’s intense emotions and his isolation from society gradually take a toll on his mental and emotional well-being. The novel explores themes of love, passion, melancholy, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.

“The Sorrows of Young Werther” had a significant impact on European literature and cultural movements of the time. It became a sensation upon its publication and inspired a wave of young men to adopt the fashion and behaviors of the melancholic and emotional Werther. The novel also sparked discussions on the nature of romantic love and the exploration of one’s own emotions.

It is worth noting that the novel is often seen as semi-autobiographical, as Goethe himself experienced a period of intense emotional turmoil and unrequited love. However, he later distanced himself from the character of Werther and the romantic ideals he represented, expressing concerns about the negative influence the book had on young readers.

Overall, “The Sorrows of Young Werther” is a powerful and introspective novel that explores the depths of human emotions and the struggles of a young man caught between his desires and the constraints of society.