Relevance of Lessing's "Emilia Galotti" for Goethe's "Die Leiden des jungen Werther" and the state of mind of Storm and Stress writers

The essay explores the significance of Lessing's play Emilia Galotti within Goethe's novel Die Leiden des jungen Werther, particularly at the moment of Werther's suicide. By examining the implications of the play being open on Werther's desk, the analysis considers whether Goethe intended to draw influence from Lessing, critique him, or reflect the broader emotional landscape of Storm and Stress writers. Various interpretations and their relevance to both works are discussed, highlighting the interconnectedness of these literary pieces and their impact on the characters' psyche.