Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: The Sorrows of Young Werther

Abstract

The main character of Goethe's novel is Werther. From his letters to his friend Wilhelm we get to know that he is in his early twenties and not yet sure what the prurpose of his life is, which profession he is to take up. Another role holds Lotte, the 19 year old daughter of a widowed official. Since her mother's death she has been leading the household on her own and takes loving care of her many smaller sibblings. Lotte has been engaged for 4 years to the 11 year older (i.e. 30 year old) secretary Albert, who is a good-spirited and gentle man but becomes Werther's antagonist. The reader does not get to know anything about Wilhelm, whom Werther's letters are sent to. Furthermore, one needs to guess about the content of Wilhelm's letters by the context of Werther's replies. Thus the reader himself takes the role of Wilhelm.