The Sorrows of Young Werther: Love, Society, and the Modern Self *Online* *NEW*

This course offers an in-depth exploration of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 1774 novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, one of the most influential works of early Romanticism. Together, we will examine the novel's epistolary form, its portrayal of intense emotion and unrequited love, and its impact, both literary and social, on its original readers and on later generations. We will consider themes such as individuality, sensibility, nature, and the conflict between personal desire and social norms. In addition to literary analysis, the course will situate The Sorrows of Young Werther in its historical and biographical context, including Goethe's own experiences and the cultural climate of late 18th-century Europe. We will also reflect on why Werther's struggles still resonate today, considering modern perspectives on love, mental health, and personal freedom.

Instructor Elena Shabily