Werther (1989)

THE HOUSE OF THE MAGISTRATE
July

The Magistrate, a widower, is teaching his children to sing a Christmas carol. Johann and Schmidt ask after Charlotte, the eldest daughter, who is dressing for a dance that evening. Werther, a newcomer to the town of whom the Magistrate approves, will escort her. The conversation turns to Albert, who is due to return to claim Charlotte as his bride since she had promised her dying mother to marry him. They invite the Magistrate to join them at the inn and depart to build up an appetite.

Werther watches, unseen, as Charlotte cuts up bread and butter for the children’s supper. He is welcomed by the Magistrate who explains that Charlotte has been like a second mother to her younger brothers and sisters. When the party for the dance has left, Sophie tells her father to join his friends at the inn. So neither Charlotte nor her father is at home when Albert unexpectedly returns. He tells Sophie how he had hoped to surprise them and leaves, promising to come back in the morning.

Werther has fallen in love with Charlotte but his declaration is cut short when the Magistrate’s voice is heard announcing Albert’s arrival. Charlotte tells Werther about her engagement to Albert and Werther, heart- broken, urges her not to break her word.

THE LINDENS
The town square of Wetzlar. September

The parishioners of the church are celebrating their pastor’s sixtieth wedding anniversary. Albert, now married to Charlotte, questions her about her happiness. Werther despairs because she can never be his. Albert tells him that he is sad that Werther’s affection for his wife was aroused before he knew that she was betrothed, but Werther assures him that he now feels only friendship for them both; were it otherwise, he would leave Wetzlar forever. Sophie attempts to divert them and Albert suggests that Werther should now turn his attentions to her. Werther con- fesses to himself that his suffering is not yet over. Charlotte refuses to admit her feelings for him and orders him to leave the city and return only on Christmas Eve. When Werther tells Sophie that he is going away forever, Albert realizes that Werther is still in love with Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE AND WERTHER
The home of Albert and Charlotte. December.

Charlotte is reading Werther’s letters to herself Sophie arrives with an invitation to visit the family, and she redoubles her entreaties when Charlotte begins to weep at the mention of Werther’s name.

Charlotte prays for strength to withstand her love for a man who is not her husband. When Werther appears, she pretends to be merely glad at his return and asks him to read from Ossian’s poetry, as he used to. Werther chooses the passage where the poet foresees his own death and Charlotte begs him to stop. He embraces her. Horrified, she cries that they must never meet again. Werther resolves to kill himself Albert is surprised to find Charlotte distraught. A message arrives from Werther requesting the loan of Albert’s pistols and, from her reaction, Albert realizes that Charlotte returns Werther’s love; he makes her hand over the pistols. Charlotte then hurries to prevent Werther using them.

ENTR’ACTE CHRISTMAS EVE

THE DEATH OF WERTHER
At Werther’s lodgings.
Later that night.

Charlotte discovers that Werther has shot himself and is mortally wounded. She declares her love for him and he begs her forgiveness. He dies as the sound of the children’s voices is heard singing the Christmas carol.