From Germany’s Shakespeare: Die Leiden des jungen Werthers
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“..dass in der Welt Menschen nichts notwendig macht als die Liebe”
While us Brits have William Shakespeare, Germany has Goethe! Johann Wolfgang von Goethe took Germany by storm with his unique epistolary novel Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (The Sorrows of Young Werther). He has been compared to William Shakespeare as he shaped German literature to what it is today. While us Brits think of Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet when we think of literature, Germans think of Goethe’s Die Leiden des jungen Werthers. Writing letters to his friend, Werther appears to showcase every emotion, particularly love. However, when he falls in love, it is not that simple.
Why I recommend this:
While I prefer reading big, hefty books, this novel still did not disappoint, despite its letter format. Not only did this novel intrigue me with its engaging description of nature and love but also its portrayal of the power of friendship. Cleverly written through letters with particular attention to detail is what makes this novel a must read for every German language student.
Available to read online for free at:
And the second half:
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2408/pg2408-images.html
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