The Sorrows of Young Werther

Name: The Sorrows of Young Werther
Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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About This Book

A series of letters records a young man's ardent emotional life as he moves to a rural locale, delights in the natural world, and develops an intense, unreciprocated attachment to a woman who is committed to another. Lyrical descriptions and introspective passages convey shifting moods of exaltation, artistic longing, and melancholy while examining imagination, sympathy, and social misunderstandings. The correspondence traces a progressive deepening of despair as private idealization collides with reality, leading ultimately to a tragic conclusion.

About the Author

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) was a German writer, statesman, and naturalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Western literature. His works span various genres, including poetry, drama, and prose, reflecting his deep engagement with the human experience and nature. Goethe is best known for his dramatic masterpiece "Faust," a profound exploration of ambition, desire, and redemption. His autobiographical work, "Autobiography: Truth and Fiction Relating to My Life," offers insights into his life and creative process. Goethe's contributions to literature and philosophy have left a lasting impact, influencing countless writers and thinkers across generations.