November 14, 2002

"The Sufferings of Young Werther" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Our young Werther, an artist trying to distance himself from the affections of another, relocates to new surroundings in hopes of freedom and creative inspiration. He soon finds that his mind isn't occupied by artistic visions, but images of the fair Charlotte, a lovely girl he meets by chance while accompanying someone else to a town dance. The fall is immediate and profound. For the first time in his life, Werther is in love. One catch. Charlotte is engaged to be married. Hard to get happy after that one.

Werther strikes up a quick friendship with Charlotte, endearing himself to both her and her six younger brothers and sisters, all of whom she's been taking care of since the death of their mother. Werther even befriends Charlotte's betrothed, Albert; a solid young man if there ever was one. The children love Werther. Albert loves Werther. Charlotte loves Werther... well, she loves him as a friend. Ouch. Charlotte cannot deny she has feelings for our hero, but she also loves Albert and is committed to their engagement.

Werther's position is hopeless. If only Albert was a scoundrel or some other sort of degenerate, there would be a chance. But Werther can't bring himself to utter the slightest slur upon his friend's character. With no other option, Werther leaves town to take a job and live the normal life. While he's away, he learns that Albert and Charlotte have wed. He unsuccessfully attempts to lose himself in his work. No dice. He just doesn't fit his new scene. His thoughts still run to Charlotte. Werther returns to his love, setting in motion events that can only end with a crash.

First published in 1774, this tale of unrequited love and woe swept through Europe and made Johann Wolfgang von Goethe a true literary superstar. Napoleon even met with Goethe to discuss the book. Yeah, I guess he liked to sit on it so he could see over his horse. Young people of the day even took to dressing like Werther, creating a fashion craze on par with coonskin caps and poodle skirts.

Goethe presents the book as a collection of Werther's writings that were gathered after the fact and compiled by an unnamed editor. It's in Werther's own words, through letters to his friend Wilhelm and others, that the story is related. This device allows the reader to enter the brain of Werther, experiencing his pain and suffering firsthand.

While it would seem that this book has 70 Proof written all over it, there's just that little something extra missing that keeps it from being one our true favorites. In general, we're not big fans of 18th-century literature. Through no fault of its own, it can seem real sappy and overdramatic. But that's just a product of the time. The fact that "Werther" holds up as well as it does is not only a tribute to Goethe's talent, but also to the timeless enigma that is love.

There are parts of the book that really do drag, particularly when he's away from Charlotte and getting bogged down in the class warfare of high society, but overall we're still going to give it four shots out of respect to its creator, social impact, and enduring subject matter.

RATING:

"Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse: We realize we've been a little Hermann Hesse heavy of late, but when you find something you like you gotta stick with it. And this is as good as it gets.

Siddhartha is different from everyone else around him. He isn't willing to simply accept the religious beliefs he's been taught to follow. He wants to discover truth for himself. He wants to think for himself. What is life? What is man? What is the true path to enlightenment?

Siddhartha leaves his home, accompanied by his friend Govinda, to begin his spiritual journey in the company of the Samanas, a wandering group of ascetics that move from town to town without possessions or food, and the benefit of only minimal clothing, practicing intense forms of self-denial and meditation. Under the guidance of the Samanas, Siddhartha learns to master his body. He can go weeks without food. He can slow his heartbeat to almost a complete stop. Yet these are just tricks. They get him no closer to Nirvana.

Word comes of a great Buddha, named Gotama, who has "conquered in himself the sorrows of the world and had brought to a standstill the cycle of rebirth." Siddhartha and Govinda part ways with the Samanas in order to see this Illustrious One for themselves. Govinda is absorbed in the teachings of the wise man and vows to follow him. Siddhartha isn't satisfied with teachings and words. He wants to experience the moment of enlightenment for himself. Gotama provides no answers, only more questions. Siddhartha leaves his friend behind and continues alone.

Finding no solutions in the realm of the mind, Siddhartha turns to flesh. He wins the favor of the great courtesan, Kamala, and she teaches him all there is to know about earthly pleasure and love. In order to stay with Kamala, Siddhartha must have money and other meaningless trinkets, so he gains employment with the merchant, Kamaswami, who introduces him to the world of business.

Siddhartha enters into these pursuits as an experiment, a game. But the extravagances prove too tempting. The once mystical Samana is soon ensnared in the web of Samsara, the eternal cycle of man's rebirth. He wears fine clothes. He becomes fat on rich food. He hoards wealth. He loves many women. He is lost.

The journey doesn't end there. The rest, good reader, is up to you. Mr. Hesse has embraced the essence of man. "Siddhartha" may not unravel the mysteries of life, but it sure as hell pulls the string. It's a work of philosophy, theory, beauty, and, above all else, thought; pure, peaceful, reflective thought. This is everything great literature should be. "Siddhartha" is an astounding achievement. We're making room for it in the Top Ten as we speak.

RATING: