Lives of Lotte : an examination of a literary relationship between Goethe and Plenzdorf
Date
1991
Authors
Willis, Lydia Françoise
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Abstract
For over two hundred years the mostly male literary critics have concentrated on the trials and tribulations of Werther, the protagonist in Goethe's epoch-making Die Leiden des jungen Werther (1774), while thoroughly neglecting the all-important role of Lotte, his female counterpart in the love relationship. These same critics saw in her the embodiment of innocence and passivity, an image which cannot be supported by a critical reading of Goethe's text, and needs to be reassessed, Similarly, Charlie's role in Plenzdorf's Die neuen Leiden des jungen W. (1973) has been overshadowed by the tragic fate of the male protagonist.
Like the Lotte of the classical novel, she is an active and not totally innocent player in a triangular relationship. In spite of the fact that the female characters played such a crucial part in the novels, no study of their respective roles had been undertaken so far. The purpose of this thesis is to examine and compare socio-cultural aspects and narrative techniques-as they influenced the portrayal of the female protagonists in the Goethe and Plenzdorf novels. My conclusions are based on an extensive study of the primary texts against the background of secondary literature spanning over two hundred years, including some of the latest literary criticism. Although I deal with the female perspective, my aim is not to pursue a feminist interpretation. The portrayal of the female characters by the male authors appears perfectly plausible.
In the classical novel, Goethe paints an idealized portrait of a young woman who combines intrinsic natural charm, goodness, social skills, and love of music and literature. Yet her image becomes less perfect when, although engaged to the older, reliable and solid Albert, she becomes involved during his absence with the younger, more sensitive and compatible Werther, continuing this relationship with him even after her marriage. Lotte and Werther both deceive themselves into believing that their relationship will remain on a purely platonic level.
Whereas Werther is attracted immediately by Lotte's physical charms, he denies such feelings and treats her as an unattainable "saint," even going so far as to cover her rather forward and coquettish behaviour with a mantle of innocence. Lotte enjoys his company and dallies with him, blind to his growing passion, secure in the knowledge that good and reliable Albert is beside her. When finally she is overcome by passion, she sees her kisses as an affront against the convention of marriage, and she must let go of Werther, even though she knows that it may mean death for him.
Plenzdorf's Charlie is a typical young East German woman of the 1970s. She has a productive job outside the home, which she seems to enjoy . Like Lotte in the Goethe novel, she is engaged to a reliable older man, who is presently serving in the army. When Charlie meets the young Edgar, she is attracted by his sensibility and carefree manner. Edgar, who as a twentieth-century character does not share Werther's sexual inhibitions, desires Charlie, yet is prepared to wait. It is the female character who initiates the encounters and shapes the relationship, finally provoking consummation, which she instantly regrets.
In pursuing her marriage instead of her inclination, she pushes Edgar into a depression, which culminates in his fatal accident.