On the Symbolism of Thomas Mann

Abstract

The essay discusses Thomas Mann’s symbolism and its parameters as well as Mann’s interpretation of the crisis of European spiritual values. Тhe author examines the role of Nietzsche in Mann’s heritage as well as interconnections between Mann and Wilde, Mann and Gide. Buddenbrooks is interpreted as a novel about the end of the German Renaissance; duality of the modern artist is shown on the example of “Tonio Kröger” while the paradoxes of his eroticism are analyzed on the example of “Der Tod in Venedig.”

Keywords

• Thomas Mann
• German symbolism
• conflict between bürger and artist
• health and sickness in Buddenbrooks
• the limits of art in “Tonio Kröger
• ” eroticism in “Der Tod in Venedig.”