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The Sorrows of Young Werther Study Guide

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Sorrows of Young Werther study guide contains a biography of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

The Sorrows of Young Werther, a novel that consists almost entirely of letters written by Werther to his friend Wilhelm, begins with the title character in a jubilant mood after having just escaped from a sticky romantic situation with a woman named Leonora. Werther has settled in a rural town, determined to spend some time painting, sketching, and taking excursions around the countryside. Werther does not accomplish much work, preferring to admire the easy lifestyle of the peasant class, which reminds him of the ancient "patriarchal life" found in the Bible. Werther makes the acquaintance of many of the local peasants, including two peasant brothers, Hans and Philip, and a country lad who is in love with the widow who employs him.

Werther…

Read the full The Sorrows of Young Werther Summary

• The Sorrows of Young Werther Summary
• About The Sorrows of Young Werther
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Book One: Letters of May 4-May 30
• Summary and Analysis of Book One: Letters of June 16-July 26
• Summary and Analysis of Book One: Letters of June 30-September 10
• Summary and Analysis of Book Two: Letters of October 20-March 24
• Summary and Analysis of Book Two: Letters of April 19-December 6
• Summary and Analysis of The Editor to the Reader
• Sturm und Drang
• Related Links on The Sorrows of Young Werther
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Sorrows of Young Werther: Major Themes
• The Sorrows of Young Werther: Essays
• The Sorrows of Young Werther: E-Text
• The Sorrows of Young Werther: Questions
• The Sorrows of Young Werther: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Biography