Rightshelf

By Pejman Yousefzadeh Comments (0) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Given the fate of the protagonist in The Sorrows of Young Werther, it may be an open question as to whether it ought to be recommended to those who suffer from the pangs of unrequited love. But trusting that readers who do indeed suffer will remember that there are other fish in the sea, I would recommend the book. Goethe does an excellent job in portraying the torment that pervades Werther's heart and soul, not to mention the delight he does indeed feel at having found someone he could love so wholly and completely. The story of Werther's obsession is told in a manner that strikes the reader as entirely credible and Werther is made into a powerful and moving representative of all those who have loved in vain. Wisely, Goethe forgets neither the torment that Charlotte--the object of Werther's affections--must feel at having to break his heart with rejection, nor does he glide over the resentment and anger felt by Albert, Charlotte's husband, over the manner in which Werther constantly and consistently interferes in their married lives so as to be with the one he loves.

As stories go, Werther's may be somewhat outlandish. To be sure, it is quite dramatic. But it is believable nonetheless and Goethe arouses pity in our hearts because when we read his story, we can see how the calamitous events in Werther's life may have well transpired and taken him down towards the bloody conclusion his life reached. We don't expect Werther's story to happen to us or to those close to us. We may even be surprised if we something like it reported in the news. But we are equally surprised that a story so intensely theatrical can touch our hearts and cause us to believe that it may have more credibility about it than perhaps we are comfortable in admitting.

That we are made to feel this way is testament to Goethe's talent as a storyteller. It is also evidence of his power as a psychologist and reader of the human soul. His insights are neither to be scoffed at nor should they be unread.