The novel revolves around the life of a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate after being away for several years. He becomes infatuated with a woman from a lower social class and begins an affair with her, despite knowing it will bring shame to his family. As their relationship deepens, he starts to question his own identity and the societal norms that govern his life. The novel explores themes of love, morality, and the constraints of social class. The young nobleman's infatuation ultimately leads to a tragic confrontation with reality, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and the impossibility of his love.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1774 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy