WTTAA #369 JENS DENDONCKER OVER ROMANTIEK

Die Leiden des jungen Werthers, or The Sorrows of Young Werther, is an epistolary novel written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The novel consists of letters from Werther to his friend Wilhelm, describing his intense and unrequited love for Charlotte (Lotte), who is engaged to another man, Albert. The novel delves into Werther's emotional turmoil, his meditations on love, beauty, nature, philosophy, art, and religion, and ultimately his tragic descent into despair and death. It was a pivotal work of the Sturm und Drang period in German literature and significantly influenced the later Romantic movement.

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.

Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.