Goethe’s plays and poems were influenced by the Sturm und Drang period, focusing heavily on tragedy and drama. His works employ moments and emotions apparent in his own life, which can be seen in The Sorrows of Young Werther. This play consists of letters between Werther and his friend Wilhelm. Werther is a passionate and sensitive protagonist who falls in love with a woman named Charlotte, who is already engaged to Albert. Unable to reconcile his love for her, Werther suffers immensely until he decides that the only way for this triangle to end is to kill himself. He writes a farewell letter to Charlotte and shoots himself. Neither Charlotte nor clergy attend his funeral. This play shot Goethe to fame, with many recognizing him for the piece well into his later life.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
