The sorrows of young Werther

[이용부(창덕궁)]

The sorrows of young Werther

Mon. Aug. 22nd. 2011.

I stayed at Lotte condominium in 부여 Buyoe for one night on 22nd Aug. 2011.

I was surprised to find the book The sorrows of young Werther written in English

on the desk of my room. I began to read it. It was when I was young to read it in Korean.

It moved much but I didn't know that the founder of Lotte loved Charlotte.

I mean he liked the book also. The book is not for sale.

In the preface of the book they wrote like this The corporate name Lotte originated

from Charlotte, the heroine of The sorrows of young Werther written by Johann Wolfgang

von Goethe. Just as the Charlotte stole the heart of many readers world wide,

Lotte strives to deeply move the hearts of each and every customer.

The company pursues a bountiful life and beautiful future based on three principles

- Love, Liberty, and Life.

The sorrows of young Werther, published in 1774, was Goethe's first work of narrative art.

It is presented as a collection of letters written by Werther, a sensitive and passionate

young art, to his friend Wilhelm. Werther falls hopelessly in love with Charlotte, who is

engaged to a man named Albert. Tragically, Werther's unrequited passion for Charlotte

and intensive jealousy of Albert led him to suicide.

The novel is known to be a loosely autobiographical account of Goethe's love of

Charlotte Buff, who was engaged to a friend of his, It remains Goethe's most popular work,

with a near-perfect, carefully observed and expertly executed narrative.

By allowing us a glimpse into an age of passion and misery with it's extremes of

youthful sorrows, the novel serves as a time capsule while also,

paradoxically, transcending its time.

I took the book out without permission as my own souvenir and read it through

at home back. This book is really a kind of quality marketing plan.

Let me introduce some parts of the novel I read again in my old days now.

I just want to share the feelings together.

It is all over, Lotte. I am determined to die ! I make this declaration deliberately

and coolly, without any romantic passion, on this morning of the day when I am to see

you for the last time. At the moment you read these lines, oh my dear Lotte, the cold grave

will hold the lifeless remains of that restless and unhappy being who knew no pleasure

any greater than talking with you ! I have passed a dreadful night or rather, let me say,

a promising one, for it has given me resolution, and it has fixed my purpose.

I am resolved to die.

Yes, Lotte, you are mine ! I go before you. I go to our Father. I will pour out my sorrows

before Him, and He will give me comport till you arrive. Then I will fly to meet you.

I will claim you, and remain in your eternal embrace, in the presence of Almighty.

I wish, Lotte, to be buried in the clothes I wear at present, for they have been made

sacred by your touch. I do not wish my pocket to be searched. There, in my pocket,

is the knot of pink ribbon which you wore on your bosom the first time I saw you.

This ribbon must be buried with me, for it was a present from you on my birthday.

Little did I then think that I should journey this road. But peace ! I pray you, peace !

[이춘선(경복궁)]

Wow! How full of sentiment you are! Thank you for sharing and letting me soaked in the memory of my own youth even if it is only for a moment.