Wieso Thomas Manns „Zauberberg“ aktueller ist als vor 30 Jahren

Published in 1912, 'Der Tod in Venedig' is a symbol-laden novella by Thomas Mann that explores themes of aestheticism, decadence, and the conflict between intellect and passion. The story follows Gustav von Aschenbach, a disciplined and respected author, who becomes infatuated with a young Polish boy named Tadzio while on vacation in Venice. Despite the outbreak of a cholera epidemic, Aschenbach stays in the city, sacrificing his dignity and well-being for the sake of his obsession with Tadzio. The novella culminates in Aschenbach's death, highlighting the tragic consequences of his unchecked desires and the decay of his moral and physical self.

This tetralogy, written over 16 years, consists of four volumes: 'Die Geschichten Jaakobs', 'Der junge Joseph', 'Joseph in Ägypten', and 'Joseph, der Ernährer'. The novel explores the life of Joseph, from his childhood as the favorite son of Jacob to his rise to prominence in Egypt. It delves into themes of family dynamics, faith, and the struggle between good and evil, all while maintaining a deep philosophical and historical context. Thomas Mann's work is a detailed and imaginative retelling of the biblical narrative, incorporating elements of mythology and cultural analysis.

The novel centers around Hans Castorp, who travels to a sanatorium in Davos, Switzerland, to visit his cousin Joachim Ziemßen. Initially intended as a short visit, Hans's stay extends to seven years, during which he engages in deep philosophical discussions with other patients and staff, including the Italian humanist Settembrini and the Jesuit Naphta. The narrative explores themes of time, health, death, and the clash between the ordinary and extraordinary, set against the backdrop of Europe before World War I. The novel is known for its complex characters, allegorical elements, and its reflection on the intellectual and cultural currents of the early 20th century.

Written by Thomas Mann in 1901, 'Buddenbrooks' is a panoramic novel that explores the decline of the Buddenbrook family, a prominent family of grain merchants in Lübeck. The story spans four generations, highlighting the family's struggles with adapting to modernity, the conflict between practical and artistic orientations to life, and the eventual decay of their financial and moral standing. The novel is characterized by Mann's masterful use of leitmotifs, detailed character descriptions, and a blend of objectivity and subjectivity in its narrative style. It reflects Mann's ambivalence towards the value of artistic versus bourgeois life and is heavily influenced by the philosophical ideas of Schopenhauer.

Andrij Kurkows "Picknick auf dem Eis" ist ein surrealer und humorvoller Roman, der das Leben im post-sowjetischen Raum beschreibt. Die Geschichte verwebt bizarre Ereignisse und skurrile Charaktere, die in einer Welt voller Absurditäten und Widersprüche leben. Kurkow verwendet einen einzigartigen Schreibstil, der Elemente des Surrealismus, der Satire und des Realismus kombiniert. Der Roman bietet einen scharfen Blick auf die gesellschaftlichen und politischen Veränderungen nach dem Zusammenbruch der Sowjetunion. Durch die Augen seiner Protagonisten beleuchtet Kurkow die Herausforderungen und die Absurditäten des Alltags in einer Gesellschaft im Wandel.