The History of Literature 638 Thomas Mann
Sep 30, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Thomas Mann, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist known for classics like *Buddenbrooks* and *Death in Venice*, shares insights into his complex life. He reflects on the artistic triumphs and bitter defeats that shaped him. The conversation dives into his struggles with identity and sexuality, as well as the impact of familial ties on his work. Mann also addresses the political dangers he faced during the rise of fascism, revealing how his literary legacy intertwines with personal and historical turbulence.
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Mann's Early Life
- Thomas Mann was born in Lübeck, Germany to a senator and grain merchant and a Brazilian mother.
- He and his brother Heinrich had a lifelong rivalry, not speaking for over a year despite sharing a room.
Buddenbrooks Success
- Heinrich achieved literary success first; Thomas worked as an insurance clerk before writing full-time.
- Thomas's Buddenbrooks, based on his family, became an instant success, surpassing Heinrich's reputation.
Nietzsche's Influence
- Thomas Mann's intellectual foundation was heavily influenced by Nietzsche, shaping his views on art and culture.
- His early pro-German stance, rooted in Nietzschean concepts of strength and unity, caused tension with his brother.