logo

48 pages 1 hour read

The Sorrows of Young Werther

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1774

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Sorrows of Young Werther

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1774
Book Details
Pages

149

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Germany • 1770s

Publication Year

1774

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a semi-autobiographical epistolary novel about Werther, a sensitive young man who moves to Wahlheim and falls deeply in love with Lotte, a woman engaged to another man. His unrequited love leads to intense emotional suffering and a downward spiral. The novel explores themes of passion, individualism, and society's constraints, ultimately culminating in tragic consequences. This novel includes references to suicidal ideation and death by suicide.

Melancholic

Emotional

Romantic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

139,063 ratings

60%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe evokes strong emotional responses, praised for its profound exploration of unrequited love and the impact of intense emotions. Critics admire its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions, although some find the protagonist's extreme sensitivity and melancholy overwhelming. Themes of romanticism and personal expression resonate deeply, yet the storyline's intensity might not appeal to all readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sorrows of Young Werther?

A reader who would enjoy The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe typically appreciates Romantic literature, introspective narratives, and profound emotional depth. Similar to readers of Rousseau's Julie, or the New Heloise and Hesse's Steppenwolf, they revel in themes of unrequited love, existential angst, and expressive prose.

4.0

139,063 ratings

60%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Character List

Werther

The central character of the novel, depicted as a young man from the upper-middle class who struggles with intense emotions and societal expectations, primarily expressed through letters.

A kind and caring young woman who becomes the focus of Werther’s affections, known for her devotion to her family and her sense of duty.

Lotte's fiancé and later husband, characterized by his patience and practicality, which contrast sharply with Werther’s emotional impulsiveness.

An unnamed narrator who compiles Werther’s letters and provides additional context, offering an objective perspective to Werther’s subjective experiences.

A minor character infatuated with a widow, whose unrequited love and ensuing actions parallel Werther’s own struggles.

An aristocratic woman whom Werther meets and begins a complicated courtship with, hindered by social status and expectations.

Book Details
Pages

149

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Germany • 1770s

Publication Year

1774

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.