THE SORROWS OF YOUNG WERTHER
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1774)

This seminal work of Romantic literature tells the story of Werther, a young artist who becomes profoundly infatuated with a woman named Charlotte, despite her being engaged to another man. Through a series of heartfelt letters, Werther reveals his intense emotional turmoil, his existential reflections, and his ultimate despair as he struggles with unrequited love. Goethe’s novel is celebrated for its deep exploration of passion and melancholy, its impact on the Romantic movement, and its portrayal of the anguished soul. "The Sorrows of Young Werther" remains a poignant and influential exploration of love and suffering.