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The Sorrows of Young Werther
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The Sorrows of Young Werther
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See moreVisiting an idyllic German village, Werther, a sensitive young man, meets and falls in love with sweet-natured Charlotte. Although he realises that she is to marry Albert, he is unable to subdue his passion and his infatuation torments him to the point of despair.
The book was an immediate success and a cult rapidly grew up around it, resulting in numerous copycat deaths as well as violent criticism and suppression for its apparent support of suicide.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Penguin Classics relaunch.
Visiting an idyllic German village, Werther, a sensitive young man, falls in love with sweet-natured Lotte. Though he realises that Lotte is to marry Albert, he is unable to subdue his passion and his infatuation torments him to the point of despair. The first great 'confessional' novel, it draws both on Goethe's own unrequited love for Charlotte Buff and on the death of a close friend.
The book was an immediate success and a cult rapidly grew up around it, resulting in numerous copycat deaths as well as violent criticism and suppression for its apparent support of suicide. Goethe's exploration of the mind of an artist at odds with society and ill-equipped to cope with life remains as poignant as when it was first written.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Sorrows of Young Werther receives praise for its poignant exploration of unrequited love and the emotional depth of its protagonist. Goethe's novel, written in a series of letters, vividly portrays the intensity of youthful passion and its potential consequences. Some reviews highlight its influence on Romantic literature and its enduring relevance, though others note the protagonist's despair can come across as overly dramatic.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780140445039
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 30 March 1989
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Translated by Michael Hulse
- Introduction by Michael Hulse
- Notes by Michael Hulse
- Translated by Michael Hulse
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 9.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 112g
Pages: 144
About the Author
Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born in Frankfurt in 1749. He is best remembered for his great works The Sorrows of Young Werther and Faust, and his part in the 18th century 'Sturm and Drang' movement. He died in 1832. Michael Hulse is an acclaimed literary German translator.
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