The Sorrows of Young Werther
The novel revolves around the life of a young man who falls deeply in love with a woman named Lotte. He becomes obsessed with her and eventually dies from a broken heart after she marries another man. The story explores themes of unrequited love, melancholy, and the destructive power of emotions.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1774 · Genre: Romanticism, Epistolary, Tragedy · 60 chapters · 49,930 words
First lines
How happy I am that I am gone! My dear friend, what a thing is the heart of man! To leave you, from whom I have been inseparable, whom I love so dearly, and yet to feel happy! I know you will forgive me. Have not other attachments been specially appointed by fate to torment a head like mine? Poor Leonora! and yet I was not to blame. Was it my fault, that, whilst the peculiar charms of her sister afforded me an agreeable entertainment, a passion for me was engendered in her feeble heart? And yet am I wholly blameless? Did I not encourage her emotions? Did I not feel charmed at those truly genuine expressions of nature, which, though but little mirthful in reality, so often amused us? Did I not -- but oh! what is man, that he dares so to accuse himself? My dear friend I promise you I will improve; I will no longer, as has ever been my habit, continue to ruminate on every petty vexation which fortune may dispense; I will enjoy the present, and the past shall be for me the past.
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The Sorrows of Young Werther is listed on Textopian as a novel by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1774 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Date: 1774 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romanticism, Epistolary, Tragedy, Bildungsroman, Philosophical
- Length: 49,930 words
- Structure: 87 chapters, 368 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- To Werther by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- She Cannot End by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- First Loss by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Brothers by Johann Ludwig Tieck
- Albert by Leo Tolstoy
- Courage by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Genres
- Romanticism — The work embodies the ideals of Romanticism, focusing on emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature.
- Epistolary — The narrative is presented through letters, a common structure in epistolary novels that enhances intimacy and personal reflection.
- Tragedy — The plot centers on unrequited love and the protagonist's emotional turmoil, leading to a tragic conclusion.
- Bildungsroman — The story follows the personal development and emotional growth of the young protagonist.
Tags
Romanticism · Tragic · Love Story · Coming-of-Age · German Literature · 18th Century · Novel · Epistolary · Autobiographical · Melancholy · Suicide · Obsessive Love
Contents
- May 4
- October 20
- May 10
- November 26
- May 12
- December 24
- May 13
- January 8, 1772
- May 15
- January 20
- May 17
- February 8
- May 22
- February 17
- May 26
- February 20
- May 27
- March 15
- May 30
- March 16
- June 16
- March 24
- June 19
- April 19
- June 21
- May 5
- June 29
- May 9
- July 1
- May 25
- July 6
- June 11
- July 8
- July 16
- July 10
- July 18
- July 11
- July 29
- July 13
- August 4
- July 16
- August 21
- July 18
- September 3
- July 19
- September 4
- July 20
- September 5
- July 24
- September 6
- July 25
- September 12
- July 26
- September 15
- July 30
- October 10
- August 8
- October 12
- August 10
- October 19