The Sorrows of Young Werther (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
- First Published: 1774
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Bildungsroman
- Time of Work: Mid-eighteenth century
- Setting: Germany
- Genres: Long fiction, Bildungsroman
- Subjects: Love or romance, Suicide, Rural or country life, Obsession, Eighteenth century, Germany or German people
- Locales: Germany
Characters Discussed
Werther, a well-educated young man who, corresponding with his friend Wilhelm, tells his story. He loves, but cannot marry, the woman of his choice because she is promised to another man. He talks with her, walks with her, and accompanies her to call on the parson but fails to win her. He tries to forget her by taking a government post away from Walheim. It is useless. He returns to her—now living with her husband—and, finally, forces his attentions on her. Crushed and humiliated by his erratic behavior, he shoots himself and dies. Werther’s heart...
[The entire page is 523 words long]
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See Also:
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Cyclopedia of World Authors)Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Poetry)Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Drama)Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Short Fiction)Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Long Fiction)Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Censorship)Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Dictionary of World Biography)
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