《少年维特的烦恼·第一部·1771 年 5 月至 9 月》第35节
AUGUST 8. Believe me, dear Wilhelm, I did not allude to you when I spoke so severely of those who advise resignation to inevitable fate. I did not think it possible for you to indulge such a sentiment. But in fact you are right. I only suggest one objection. In this world one is seldom reduced to make a selection between two alternatives. There are as many varieties of conduct and opinion as there are turns of feature between an aquiline nose and a flat one. You will, therefore, permit me to concede your entire argument, and yet contrive means to escape your dilemma. Your position is this, I hear you say: "Either you have hopes of obtaining Charlotte, or you have none. Well, in the first case, pursue your course, and press on to the fulfilment of your wishes. In the second, be a man, and shake off a miserable passion, which will enervate and destroy you." My dear friend, this is well and easily said. But would you require a wretched being, whose life is slowly wasting under a lingering disease, to despatch himself at once by the stroke of a dagger? Does not the very disorder which consumes his strength deprive him of the courage to effect his deliverance? You may answer me, if you please, with a similar analogy, "Who would not prefer the amputation of an arm to the periling of life by doubt and procrastination!" But I know not if I am right, and let us leave these comparisons. Enough! There are moments, Wilhelm, when I could rise up and shake it all off, and when, if I only knew where to go, I could fly from this place. THE SAME EVENING. My diary, which I have for some time neglected, came before me today; and I am amazed to see how deliberately I have entangled myself step by step. To have seen my position so clearly, and yet to have acted so like a child! Even still I behold the result plainly, and yet have no thought of acting with greater prudence.
注释摘要
这封信是维特与威廉之间一次紧张的拉锯。威廉显然在回信中摊了牌，用一套非此即彼的逻辑逼维特面对现实：你要么有希望得到绿蒂，那就去争取；要么没有，那就做个男人，挣脱出来。维特在这封信里做的事，表面上是让步，实际上是绕着威廉的逻辑走了整整一圈，最后又稳稳地站在原地——他承认朋友说得对，然后用一整封信论证为什么对的道理对他完全无效。 他先退一步，说自己在上一封信里…