World Literature Masterpieces Selection — Camille / The Sorrows of Young Werther

Author: (France) Alexandre Dumas fils, (Germany) Johann Wolfgang von Goethe translated by Zhu Shiyi and Cao Qun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: La Dame aux Camélias: Alexandre Dumas fils wrote this poignant love story, drawing upon the experiences of his father, Alexandre Dumas père, and a high-class courtesan, Marie Duplessis. It is his breakthrough work and the only world-renowned novel he left behind for posterity. Marguerite, a famous courtesan in Paris, discovers the innocent Alfredo's passionate adoration for her. They abandon everything and retreat to the suburbs of Paris. At the request of Alfredo's father, to secure his son's future, she bravely returns to Paris to become the Count's favorite. Alfredo mistakenly believes she has grown fickle and goes on a journey. Marguerite, overcome with sorrow, her tuberculosis worsens and she faces death. Alfredo's father has a change of heart and reveals the truth to his son, but it is too late. In his arms, Marguerite closes her eyes forever. The Sorrows of Young Werther: At a midsummer ball, the talented and idealistic Werther meets Lotte, who is already engaged to someone else, and falls in love. After hiding his passion and leaving, he returns to Lotte out of longing, only to find she has already married and devoted herself entirely to her husband. The flames of love drive Werther to commit suicide with a gun, unable to face the realities of social hierarchy and official corruption.