The Sorrows of Young Werther

by

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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The Sorrows of Young Werther: Foreword Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
The foreword to The Sorrows of Young Werther is written by the book’s fictional editor. In it, he or she claims to have collected all of the available information regarding the events of Werther’s unfortunate life. The editor goes on to directly address the reader, noting with certainty that readers will appreciate the work itself and come to love its title character.
The editor’s introduction appeals instantly to the emotional side of the reader. Werther always takes the same emotional approach to life, though the editor foreshadows that Werther suffers a tragic fate because of it.
Themes
The Heart vs. The Mind Theme Icon
Suicide Theme Icon