Werther

Massenet's "Werther" is based on the 1774 Johann Wolfgang Goethe novel, "The Sorrows of Young Werther". The Opera Club presented Massenet's "Thaïs" in August 2024. Little wonder that Massenet chose Goethe's novel for an opera. It was one of the most successful novels of the 18th century and propelled the young 24-year old author to superstar status. Both young men and women emulated Werther's suicide throughout Europe. Cities and countries banned the book in an attempt to stem the deaths. Nevertheless, a great many young suicides were found with a copy of the book close at hand or tucked in their pockets. Even among the living Werther mania caused the international production of Werther merchandise and clothing (Disney and Marvel didn't invent pop culture merchandising). In short Werther was the world's first viral meme.