"THE SORROWS OF YOUNG WERTHER" AND THE TURMOIL OF THE CONTEMPORARY MAN
"THE SORROWS OF YOUNG WERTHER" AND THE TURMOIL OF THE CONTEMPORARY MAN

Summary/Abstract: In this paper, we aim to demonstrate Werther's condition in comparison to the one of the contemporary man. Central to this focus on Goethe’s character are his portrayal as a ”Stürmer und Dränger”. First, however, it is important to present both Goethe in the context of the social environment and cultural milieu of his time, as well as The Sorrows of Young Werther in general. Of course, we will also portray the biographical elements present in the novel. Following this, we will introduce the ”Sturm und Drang” movement – a crucial part of this analysis – and highlight its key characteristics. Next, we will delve into deeper questions: Werther in comparison to the contemporary man, Werther’s influence on literature, which has manifested in numerous Wertheriads, and finally, the history of the novel’s reception and the significant Werther effect upon society in comparison to the effect of social media upon today’s society.

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