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Episode 370: 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' by Goethe

The Great Books

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Love, Loyalty, and the Tragic Hero

This chapter examines the intricate dynamics of love and loyalty through the character of Werther, who is caught in a tumultuous affair with Lotte, a woman engaged to Albert. It highlights the tension between passionate emotions and societal expectations, culminating in Werther's struggles with despair and a sense of identity. Additionally, the chapter addresses the broader implications of Werther's fate on contemporary youth, while acknowledging the cultural impact of Goethe's work upon its release.

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