The Sorrows of Young Werther
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Category: Fiction

The Sorrows of Young Werther is the story of a sensitive, artistic young man who demonstrates the fatal effects of a predilection for absolutes—whether those of love, art, society, or thought. Werther falls in love with Charlotte (Lotte), the uncomplicated fiancée of a friend. Werther leaves but later returns, feeling depressed and hopeless no matter where he lives. Torn by unrequited passion and his perception of the emptiness of life, he commits suicide. It was the first novel of the Sturm und Drang movement.