it's okay that we don't get along, but why not?

In our class discussion today, I was fascinated by how polarized the class became over The Sorrows of Young Werther. Upon further thought, here are two possible (but by no means certain) causes for the division:

1. Existence vs. Essence. Sartre defines existentialism as placing value on "existence over essence." It would follow that "existentialists" of the class do not feel Werther is a true artist, as he does not have a tangible output of paintings. Idealists, on the other hand, who place essence over existence, may find Werther to be not only an artists, but a great one. This is because his soul perceives beauty and absorbs emotions, and these are two indispensable skills to the artist.
2. Head vs. Heart. True, a little played out, but this binary must be mentioned. Werther lives his life based on heart, which some admire, others look down upon.
   

Closing Thought:

I care about knowing why people disagree more than what the right answer is. Sometimes there is a right answer, sometimes there isn't. And if there is, it's usually mine. *That was a joke.*