Werther & Lotte & Albert

Goethe’s *The Sorrows of Young Werther* is considered one of the first bestsellers in German literature. The epistolary novel radicalizes the subjective narrative perspective and elevates individual perception to the standard. With his passionate reflections on love, friendship, and despair, Werther became a role model for many young readers in the late 18th century. Still as relevant as ever, the text calls on us to balance empathy, desire, and responsibility. At the same time, it shows how a man absolutizes his emotions—and virtually demands new interpretations from today’s perspective. How does this famous love story appear in the light of the experiences of a modern young generation? And what becomes apparent when the focus shifts not only to Werther, but also to Lotte and Albert? …