Werther and Albert's Uneasy Regard

The Sorrows of Young Werther

This flow traces the complicated regard between Werther and Albert, from mutual civility to suspicion and a final, consequential failure of communication.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Absent Fiancé An Absent Fiancé from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Rival in Absence Albert discussed Werther first hears that Lotte is engaged to a worthy man who is away on family business.

An Absent Fiancé from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Rival in Absence Albert discussed Werther first hears that Lotte is engaged to a worthy man who is away on family business.

A Rival in Absence Albert discussed Werther first hears that Lotte is engaged to a worthy man who is away on family business. Albert is initially an abstract fact rather than a person Werther must face. Attachment develops anyway Werther's growing attraction makes the absent fiancé increasingly important. The rivalry begins in Werther's imagination before the two men have met.

Respect After Arrival Respect After Arrival from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". Esteem and Jealousy A likable man Werther finds Albert considerate and capable of genuine feeling.

Respect After Arrival from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". Esteem and Jealousy A likable man Werther finds Albert considerate and capable of genuine feeling.

Esteem and Jealousy A likable man Werther finds Albert considerate and capable of genuine feeling. Albert shows respect for him and understands that Werther cares deeply about Lotte. A divided response Werther admires the very man whose possession of Lotte pains him. The resulting relationship is neither simple friendship nor open hostility.

The Suicide Debate The Suicide Debate from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". Moral Argument A question of judgment Werther and Albert discuss suicide after Werther points an unloaded pistol at himself.

The Suicide Debate from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". Moral Argument A question of judgment Werther and Albert discuss suicide after Werther points an unloaded pistol at himself.

Moral Argument A question of judgment Werther and Albert discuss suicide after Werther points an unloaded pistol at himself. Albert condemns the act as weakness, while Werther argues that suffering can exceed a person's capacity to endure. Opposed understandings Their disagreement reveals different ways of interpreting responsibility and passion. Werther wants understanding; Albert emphasizes reason and the consequences of action.

Albert's Objection Albert's Objection from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". The Friendship Frays A legal disagreement Albert agrees with the judge that the murderer cannot simply be released.

Albert's Objection from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". The Friendship Frays A legal disagreement Albert agrees with the judge that the murderer cannot simply be released.

The Friendship Frays A legal disagreement Albert agrees with the judge that the murderer cannot simply be released. Werther experiences this position as a personal injury, despite recognizing that the argument has force. Resentment grows He begins to suspect Albert's motives and finds it difficult to be fair to him. The public disagreement aggravates the jealousy already present in their relationship.

The Unanswered Warning The Unanswered Warning from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Fatal Courtesy A request handled routinely Albert lends Werther the pistols through Lotte, believing they are needed for a journey.

The Unanswered Warning from "The Sorrows of Young Werther". A Fatal Courtesy A request handled routinely Albert lends Werther the pistols through Lotte, believing they are needed for a journey.

A Fatal Courtesy A request handled routinely Albert lends Werther the pistols through Lotte, believing they are needed for a journey. His response follows ordinary trust and household practice. The silence between spouses Lotte's fear remains unexplained to Albert, and he does not question the request. Their mutual silence allows a private crisis to proceed without intervention.

Before July 30, during Werther's first visits

July 30, when Albert returns

August 12, during the pistols conversation

After Werther pleads for the arrested servant

December 21, when Albert lends the pistols