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What Are The Major Misconceptions Of Young Werther's Suicide?

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Recommended: History Of Mental Illness During The Late 19Th Century

The second leading death among young people ages 10 to 24 is suicide, according to The Trevor Project. Suicide is a real occurrence among people today, yet there are still major misconceptions about the topic. The most common are that individuals going through this struggle will not actually do it or if anyone that does try to is crazy. These misconceptions are still around in 2015. The Sorrows of Young Werther was written in 1774 by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and talks about issues such as suicide and depression through the main character Werther. Set in the Romantic era, Werther represents everything society is not and is set apart by his beliefs. When he meets a young woman named Charlotte that shares his same beliefs he falls instantly in love with her. As soon as realizes he cannot have her his sorrows begin. Back then people believed depression was not an actual illness and that it was a sign of weakness. Lots of controversy was centered around this book, …show more content…

Multiple times throughout the novel Werther verbally tells people or gives hints at the fact that he is suicidal. Characters are aware of his feelings and still do not offer Werther any help at all. At one point in the story, Charlotte’s husband, Albert, gets into an argument with Werther. During their dispute, he insults Werther by stating suicide is a sign of weakness. This opinion is expressed by Albert when he states “…for we were speaking of suicide, which you compare with great actions, when it is impossible to regard it as anything but a weakness.” Lecturing or arguing that it is wrong with a suicidal person will not help them at all, along with telling them “they have so-much to live for” or trying to solve their problems which characters Charlotte and Wilhelm both do. The indiscretion of these characters actions caused Werther his life and are perfect examples of how not to help someone

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