

Death in Venice
4 snips Jul 13, 2023
In this thought-provoking discussion, guests Karolina Watroba, an expert in Modern Languages, Erica Wickerson, a former Research Fellow at Cambridge, and Sean Williams, a Senior Lecturer in German Culture, delve deep into Thomas Mann's "Death in Venice." They explore the complex themes of obsession, beauty, and self-destruction through the tragic figure of Gustav von Aschenbach. The conversation also highlights the interplay between desire and morality, linking Mann's writing to contemporary societal challenges and the philosophical tensions of art and life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mann's Life and Death in Venice
- Aschenbach's wife is dead, unlike Mann's.
- Mann admitted autobiographical elements but claimed the homosexual aspect was exaggerated for dramatic effect.
Aschenbach's Gaze
- Aschenbach objectifies Tadzio, associating him with Platonic beauty and Greek statues.
- Although Tadzio speaks Polish, Aschenbach never understands him, further dehumanizing him.
Venice as a Symbol
- Venice was a popular literary trope, representing both light and decay.
- It was seen as a meeting point between West and East, fitting the novella's themes.