The Sorrows of Young Werther

On September 5, Werther discovers a love letter Lotte wrote to Albert. However, the letter is not immediately forwarded to her husband, and when Werther reads the letter, he imagines it was written to him. Lotte notices his reaction and becomes upset, leading him to realize he has crossed a line. The next day, Werther reflects on parting with the blue coat and buff waistcoat he wore the first time he danced with Lotte. Despite ordering a new one that is the same design, he finds that the outfit does not evoke the same emotions in him. Werther expresses the hope that, with time, he may come to like it better. On September 12, Werther comes to Lotte’s parlor and she shows him her affectionate canary. She offers the bird to Werther, and it kisses him, leaving Werther conflicted. He knows that Lotte does not mean to lead him on, but even her interactions with a bird infatuate him. On September 15, he also laments to Wilhelm that the vicar’s walnut tree grove was cut down after the man’s death. The vicar’s wife ordered their removal due to the mess caused by falling leaves and branches obstructing light.