A poignant tale of unrequited love and the human psyche, this Gothic novel captivates with its timeless tale and profound impact
Introduction
Summary
Review
Final Thoughts
Introduction
I read a deeply poignant tale of unrequited love. Even after reading it, there's a lingering sense of beauty and melancholy. It's astonishing how this novel, 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' by Goethe, over 200 years old, still manages to evoke such emotions in me, transcending time. This novel was Goethe's first and was a bestseller among the youth of the time. Although I encountered this famous classic when I was young, its archaic language and format made it difficult to read, so I abandoned it. However, recently, I stumbled upon it again and as I've grown older, the intertwining of my experiences with the novel's themes has made the reading experience more poignant.
Summary
The novel revolves around the protagonist Werther and his friend Wilhelm, with the narrative beginning in the form of exchanged letters between them. Werther is a sensitive and passionate young artist who moves to a village where he encounters a beautiful woman named Charlotte. They meet at a ball, dance together, and form a friendship. Despite signs of mutual affection, Werther falls deeply in love with Charlotte.
However, Charlotte is already engaged to Albert. Werther knows this but cannot control his feelings. He tries to befriend Albert but feels increasingly jealous. Wilhelm advises Werther to end the relationship and forget about Charlotte, but Werther cannot bring himself to do so.
Realizing that winning Charlotte's love is impossible, Werther decides to leave the village and takes a job at a government office elsewhere. However, he finds the work unsuitable and faces friction with his superiors, prompting him to return home. Despite his efforts to forget Charlotte, Werther cannot erase her from his mind.
Convinced that only death can complete his love for Charlotte, Werther borrows a pistol from Albert and commits suicide, believing that his demise is the only way to find happiness through eternal union with Charlotte.
Review
The novel beautifully portrays the psyche of a young man ensnared in unrequited love. Reading it, I found myself deeply immersed, with emotions resonating from memories of my own past experiences. The heartache of knowing something cannot be and yet being unable to let go is depicted masterfully, reflecting the inner turmoil of the protagonist's heart.
It's said to have been widely read among the youth of its time, and the prose, considering the era, appears remarkably daring and straightforward. Given the societal context, its bold and candid expressions likely contributed to its immense popularity, even giving rise to what's known as the 'Werther Effect'. Many identified with the protagonist Werther to the extent that they emulated his dress and, tragically, even his act of suicide.
The novel also delves into the theme of suicide. Werther and his friend Wilhelm engage in debates about suicide, with Werther advocating for it, stating that "those who die from physical pain and those who die from mental anguish are the same." For its time, this forward-thinking acknowledgment of the importance of mental health is striking.
Werther's unrequited love may seem trivial or even immature without emotional investment, perhaps even pathetic for sacrificing his life for such fleeting affection. Depending on one's own experiences, it may evoke reminiscence with a smile or heartache, pondering the depths of such profound love that it leads to the ultimate sacrifice.
Final Thoughts
Such was the popularity of this novel that it was widely read even by famous figures of the time. Not only European royalty and nobility but also notable individuals like Napoleon and British Prime Ministers reportedly delved into its pages. Despite being branded as a corrupting influence, its controversial content often led to clandestine readings, further fueling its allure.
In South Korea, the chairman of Lotte Group, Shin Gak-ho, was so moved by the novel that he named the conglomerate 'Lotte' after Charlotte, reflecting the profound impact the story has had.
Classic literature always enriches the soul and provides depth of experience. It's not merely because it's old, but because it has been cherished and validated by countless readers over the years. Reading this book also prompts me to reflect on whether I, too, had someone I loved so deeply in the past.
