Symbolism and Death Scene in "The Sorrows of Young Werther"

The final pages of "Cierpienia młodego Wertera" are rich with symbolism and emotional intensity, culminating in Werther's tragic death scene.

Symbolism of Childhood

Throughout the novel, children symbolize innocence and purity, contrasting sharply with the complexities of adult life and societal expectations.

Example: Werther's interactions with children often provide moments of joy and respite from his emotional turmoil.

The Death Scene

Werther's suicide is meticulously planned and executed, with several symbolic elements:

1. Borrowing pistols from Albert, touched by Lotte (implicating them in his death)
2. Settling all affairs before his death
3. Bidding farewell to loved ones

Quote: "Żegna się ze wszystkimi" (He bids farewell to everyone) - This action underscores the finality of Werther's decision.

Religious and Literary Allusions

The death scene is replete with religious and literary references:

• Allusions to the Bible, Psalms, and the Last Supper
• References to the Good Samaritan parable
• Mention of "Emilia Galotti," a play by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Highlight: These allusions elevate Werther's death to a quasi-religious experience, reflecting the Romantic notion of the artist as a Christ-like figure.

Symbolic Details

Several details in the death scene carry symbolic weight:

• Werther's request for bread and wine (echoing the Eucharist)
• His blessing of Lotte and Albert
• The time of death at noon, symbolizing the zenith of his life and suffering

Burial and Aftermath

The novel concludes with Werther's burial:

• He is interred in the clothes he wore when he met Lotte (yellow waistcoat and blue coat)
• The burial site is by two linden trees
• Workmen carry the coffin, not clergymen, reflecting societal attitudes towards suicide

Vocabulary: Linden trees - Often associated with love and fertility in German folklore, adding a poignant touch to Werther's final resting place.

The novel's ending leaves a lasting impression, cementing "Cierpienia młodego Wertera" as a powerful exploration of love, suffering, and the human condition in the face of societal constraints.

Romantic Elements and Literary Techniques

"Cierpienia młodego Wertera" exemplifies key characteristics of Romantic literature, particularly in its portrayal of nature and emotions.

Nature and Pantheism

Werther's relationship with nature evolves throughout the novel:

• Initially, the world appears as a paradise to him
• Nature fills his soul to the brim
• The concept of pantheism is evident in Werther's reverence for nature

Definition: Pantheism is the belief that God is identical with the universe, with nature itself being divine.

Literary Style and Techniques

The novel employs several distinctive literary techniques:

1. Epistolary Form: The story is told through a series of letters, primarily written by Werther.

Highlight: The epistolary form allows for an intimate portrayal of Werther's inner thoughts and emotions.

2. Interior Landscape: The description of nature often reflects Werther's emotional state.

3. Divine Landscape: Nature is perceived as a creation of God, aligning with Romantic ideals.

Werther's Emotional Journey

The novel traces Werther's psychological transformation:

• From initial optimism and joy to deep pessimism
• Development of a catastrophic worldview
• Apocalyptic visions as his mental state deteriorates

Vocabulary: Weltschmerz - A German term meaning "world-weariness" or "world-pain," often associated with Romantic literature.

The Wertherian Attitude

The novel gave rise to the concept of the "Wertherian attitude," characterized by:

• Intense suffering and emotional pain
• Feeling misunderstood by society
• Struggling against social norms
• Heightened sensitivity and artistic soul
• Preoccupation with death

This attitude became a cultural phenomenon, influencing literature and social behavior long after the novel's publication.