I didn’t get on with the first part of the book. The second part was better for me – but I still wouldn’t say that I enjoyed it, but I did find it rewarding. I think I probably couldn’t avoid seeing it with my 21st Century view.
The section where Charlotte tells Werther that it because she is unattainable that he is so obsessed with her was a turning point fort me. (Werther, of course, thinks Albert must have come up with such a wise thought – he’s a man of his time.) At that point, I started to think of Werther being in love with love rather than Charlotte (apologies to Lorenz Hart), making him look even less attractive.
I’ll admit that I lost patience with Werther. I found myself wanting to yell ‘Grow up, man!” (If anybody knows ‘Oklahoma!’, I think my views are more ‘Many A New Day’ – so I do find Werther quite trying.) His inability to understand other people’s point of view seems to be a real flaw. Charlotte, Albert, Wilhelm and others all try to point Werther in the right direction but he insists of wallowing in his misery.
I simply refuse to find Werther romantic. He’s not only a danger, but also – potentially – a threat to others. The section with the young man who becomes a murderer shows the route that Werther could take – and if you didn’t already know what was about to happen, you might really worry for Charlotte.
The final section dealing with the messiness of death is heartbreaking. Whereas, we assume, Werther expected a quick death, he lingers in pain. The book has all led to that action, and I must admit it makes me wonder about the alleged ‘social contagion’ of suicide. In fact, I find it hard to imagine anybody finding Werther attractive – but I seem to be in a very small minority.
Also - although there was a legend that the novel inspired a wave of copycat suicides across Europe, interestingly Michael Hulse, who wrote the introduction to the Penguin edition, says there's 'little evidence' for it . . .
I think it's the idea that there was some sort of epidemic that is problematic. There are concerns about copycat, so reporting - quite rightly - has to be cautious.
It strikes me that the claim is similar to the claims that social media and/or smartphones are the root of all evil.
Thank you, Henry - Book 2 was quite a different ride from Book 1! Very propulsive and striking. I loved the moment where the Editor intervened and we were able to step outside the claustrophobia of Goethe's viewpoint and start to access the experiences of those around him.
The book's final chapters felt to me like a powerful portrait of isolation and mental ill health. I imagined that Werther's collapse and death might be treated as glamorous or heroic; in fact, Goethe portrays it as frightening, lonely and tragic.
I'm very glad to have read it. Hilarious that it's been reimagined as a 'bright and fun romantic comedy'!
This evening I went to see 'Suor Angelica' which - weirdly enough - is also about suicide. (Earlier in the week, I went to hear Berlioz's 'Morte de Cléopâtre' - so suicide wasn't far away!)
It's made me realise that I get a bit uncomfortable with writing about suicide because of the risk of glorifying it. I'm not sure any of the pieces do that - and the messiness of Werther's death can never be seen as a recommendation.
But still I have my doubts.
Both Werther and Suor Angelica suffer desperation. Whereas with Sour Angelica - heartbreaking in this production - it feels like resolution, Werther leaves so many questions. Particularly, what will happen to Albert and Charlotte - and can their marriage survive? The end of the book is the beginning of the fallout.
Adding "Lotte in Weimar" to my reading list! Also, putting in a plug for The Magic Mountain if you haven't done it already... I gave it a go a few summers ago, but some reading companionship would have gone a long way to helping me finish
I didn’t get on with the first part of the book. The second part was better for me – but I still wouldn’t say that I enjoyed it, but I did find it rewarding. I think I probably couldn’t avoid seeing it with my 21st Century view.
The section where Charlotte tells Werther that it because she is unattainable that he is so obsessed with her was a turning point fort me. (Werther, of course, thinks Albert must have come up with such a wise thought – he’s a man of his time.) At that point, I started to think of Werther being in love with love rather than Charlotte (apologies to Lorenz Hart), making him look even less attractive.
I’ll admit that I lost patience with Werther. I found myself wanting to yell ‘Grow up, man!” (If anybody knows ‘Oklahoma!’, I think my views are more ‘Many A New Day’ – so I do find Werther quite trying.) His inability to understand other people’s point of view seems to be a real flaw. Charlotte, Albert, Wilhelm and others all try to point Werther in the right direction but he insists of wallowing in his misery.
I simply refuse to find Werther romantic. He’s not only a danger, but also – potentially – a threat to others. The section with the young man who becomes a murderer shows the route that Werther could take – and if you didn’t already know what was about to happen, you might really worry for Charlotte.
The final section dealing with the messiness of death is heartbreaking. Whereas, we assume, Werther expected a quick death, he lingers in pain. The book has all led to that action, and I must admit it makes me wonder about the alleged ‘social contagion’ of suicide. In fact, I find it hard to imagine anybody finding Werther attractive – but I seem to be in a very small minority.
Can anybody change my mind?
I agree – he's obsessed with the IDEA of loving Lotte, isn't he? His return to Wahlheim feels
self indulgent. I don't think you need to change your mind! My sense is that we're supposed to end the book feeling that Werther is deeply flawed.
Also - although there was a legend that the novel inspired a wave of copycat suicides across Europe, interestingly Michael Hulse, who wrote the introduction to the Penguin edition, says there's 'little evidence' for it . . .
I think it's the idea that there was some sort of epidemic that is problematic. There are concerns about copycat, so reporting - quite rightly - has to be cautious.
It strikes me that the claim is similar to the claims that social media and/or smartphones are the root of all evil.
Nuance isn't always in evidence.
Thank you, Henry - Book 2 was quite a different ride from Book 1! Very propulsive and striking. I loved the moment where the Editor intervened and we were able to step outside the claustrophobia of Goethe's viewpoint and start to access the experiences of those around him.
The book's final chapters felt to me like a powerful portrait of isolation and mental ill health. I imagined that Werther's collapse and death might be treated as glamorous or heroic; in fact, Goethe portrays it as frightening, lonely and tragic.
I'm very glad to have read it. Hilarious that it's been reimagined as a 'bright and fun romantic comedy'!
Really good point – it is unglamorous ending – and the final pages are surprisingly downbeat. I'm so glad you're glad to have read it!
This evening I went to see 'Suor Angelica' which - weirdly enough - is also about suicide. (Earlier in the week, I went to hear Berlioz's 'Morte de Cléopâtre' - so suicide wasn't far away!)
It's made me realise that I get a bit uncomfortable with writing about suicide because of the risk of glorifying it. I'm not sure any of the pieces do that - and the messiness of Werther's death can never be seen as a recommendation.
But still I have my doubts.
Both Werther and Suor Angelica suffer desperation. Whereas with Sour Angelica - heartbreaking in this production - it feels like resolution, Werther leaves so many questions. Particularly, what will happen to Albert and Charlotte - and can their marriage survive? The end of the book is the beginning of the fallout.
'The beginning of the fallout . . .' - what a great phrase! I absolutely agree.
Adding "Lotte in Weimar" to my reading list! Also, putting in a plug for The Magic Mountain if you haven't done it already... I gave it a go a few summers ago, but some reading companionship would have gone a long way to helping me finish