Lotte and Albert's Marriage

The Sorrows of Young Werther

This flow traces the marriage between Lotte and Albert as a stable commitment strained by Werther's presence and the silence surrounding it.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Engagement Announced An Engagement Announced from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Commitment Already Made News on the road Before the ball, Werther learns that Lotte is engaged to Albert, who is away settling family affairs.

An Engagement Announced from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Commitment Already Made News on the road Before the ball, Werther learns that Lotte is engaged to Albert, who is away settling family affairs.

A Commitment Already Made News on the road Before the ball, Werther learns that Lotte is engaged to Albert, who is away settling family affairs. The information gives him a clear account of her situation before their meeting. Feeling outruns fact Werther is initially unconcerned, then becomes captivated by Lotte. The engagement remains a firm reality, even as he begins to imagine that their emotional affinity might supersede it.

Albert Returns Albert Returns from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Respectable Rival Albert's arrival Albert returns and Werther prepares to leave, fearing the sight of him with Lotte.

Albert Returns from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Respectable Rival Albert's arrival Albert returns and Werther prepares to leave, fearing the sight of him with Lotte.

A Respectable Rival Albert's arrival Albert returns and Werther prepares to leave, fearing the sight of him with Lotte. He discovers that Albert is considerate and worthy, which prevents him from making the husband a simple villain. Admiration and jealousy Werther esteems Albert while resenting his place in Lotte's life. The contradiction intensifies the emotional tension between them.

A Household of Affection A Household of Affection from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". Marriage and Family Life Lotte's responsibilities Albert tells Werther how Lotte's mother entrusted the children to her care.

A Household of Affection from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". Marriage and Family Life Lotte's responsibilities Albert tells Werther how Lotte's mother entrusted the children to her care.

Marriage and Family Life Lotte's responsibilities Albert tells Werther how Lotte's mother entrusted the children to her care. Lotte has devoted herself to the household while retaining her cheerfulness. Werther's place within it Albert welcomes Werther, and the children love him. Their family affection offers Werther a sense of belonging but also makes his attachment more disruptive to an existing marriage.

Silence About Werther Silence About Werther from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Difficult Request Albert's concern Albert wishes Werther would visit less often, partly because public opinion has begun to speak about the relationship.

Silence About Werther from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Difficult Request Albert's concern Albert wishes Werther would visit less often, partly because public opinion has begun to speak about the relationship.

A Difficult Request Albert's concern Albert wishes Werther would visit less often, partly because public opinion has begun to speak about the relationship. He asks Lotte to set firmer limits. An unspoken disagreement Lotte says little, and Albert does not keep raising the matter. Their silence avoids an immediate argument but leaves the emotional difficulty unresolved.

The Pistols Given The Pistols Given from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Marriage Under Strain Albert's ordinary response Albert receives Werther's note and tells Lotte to give him the pistols.

The Pistols Given from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Marriage Under Strain Albert's ordinary response Albert receives Werther's note and tells Lotte to give him the pistols.

A Marriage Under Strain Albert's ordinary response Albert receives Werther's note and tells Lotte to give him the pistols. He wishes him a pleasant journey, apparently unaware of the danger. Lotte's alarm Lotte handles the weapons with dread but cannot make herself explain everything to Albert. The moment reveals how their lack of open communication leaves her fear isolated and the crisis unchallenged.

Before Werther meets Lotte, June 16

July 30, after Werther's attachment has deepened

August, after Werther remains nearby

After the murder case, during the winter

December 21, the day Werther requests the pistols