May 4, 1771 Summary

May 4, 1771

Werther is writing to a friend and boasting about romantically leading a young woman. He vows that he will begin to look on the bright side of things and leave the past in the past. He asks the friend to assure his mother that he is devoting himself to her business and will update her soon. Werther finds the aunt, who is in control of some inheritance money due his mother, to be engaging and is sure that the money matter will work out in his mother's favor. Werther touts the value of malice and cunning over misunderstandings and lethargy.

May 4, 1771 Analysis

Werther's vow to turn over a new leaf and adopt a positive attitude, is an admission that he lacked such demeanor in the past. Later he admonishes another young man for his dark moods while failing to discuss his own...