Webster’s dictionary defines the word lovesick as an adjective used to describe one that is disconsolate because of unrequited love. Gottfried von Strassburg writes his romance, Tristan, for a lovesick audience. In his introduction, Gottfried notes that anyone who has been in love will rejoice in reading about the love of others. Gottfried’s definition of the term lovesick, however, is different and more in-depth than simply unrequited love. The story tells of the …showed first 75 words of 1202 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1202 total…shown that lovesickness will cause disloyalty. It will also make someone act dishonest and deceitful, as seen by Isolde’s numerous lies to Mark and her court. Lovers’ happiness, when lovesick, depends solely on the presence of their lover. Lovesickness is such a strong condition that lovers can not live if their beloved is dead. These four parts of lovesickness serve to comprise a much deeper meaning than that of just sadness over unrequited love.