Scan barcode
A review by apolasky
Death in Venice: And Seven Other Stories by Thomas Mann
3.0
This is a nice collection with several interesting recurring themes and literary resources throughout the stories. One of the main themes in Mann's work is that art corrupts the self and poses a threat against morality.
Personally, I enjoyed much more the stories told in first person because I found them much more fluid and their characters more relatable.
The resource I enjoyed the most was the use of characters in Wagner's work and from greek mythology as reference or inspiration. E.g.: Reason (Apollonius) vs passion (Dionysius).
If you are looking for a source of quotes that act as food for thought, this work by Thomas Mann is a great place to start.
If you are interested in descriptions of each story, keep scrolling down.
Death in Venice (3,5 stars)
This story focuses on the artist and the nature of art, mind vs heart and repressed passion that, in turn, evolves into obsession.
Here, Mann also criticizes modern life and bourgeoisie.
It is an interesting take on platonic love and its consequences but, unfortunately, it was considerably repetitive and lacking of character development.
Tonio Kröger (3 stars)
A main point in this work is the separation of the artistic world and everyday life, and the struggles of an artist trapped between both. This is related to his indecision and confusion in his love life.
The ending seemed unfinished and it didn't give closure to the story.
Mario and the magician (2 stars)
This one was simply boring. I struggled the most to finish it.
It portrays Italian fascism: controlling people's wills and freedom.
Criticism of artists.
Disorder and early sorrow (2,5 stars)
Loss of respect for the older members of a family.
Criticism of artists and disapproval within some levels of society.
A man and his dog (4,5 stars)
I loved the affectionate and heartfelt description of the dog. I found it interesting for the dog to be ´special´, and not just another pure breed specimen.
I think that it was unnecessary to dedicate a full and lengthy section to the description of the river zone.
On the other hand, the parts where he focused on describing the dog and its relationship with the family were far more enjoyable. Mann wrote a marvellous characterization of a dog, particularly its personality and conduct. I couldn't help to think of my own dogs while reading certain passages. It has now become one of my favorite stories about the relationship of man and his 'best friend'. It is, by far, my favorite of the 8 stories within the collection.
The blood of the Walsungs (2,5 stars)
Aestheticism, social status and superiority of classes.
Fiction turning into reality -within the story; 'art imitates art'.
Tristan (3,5 stars)
Escaping from reality through art, by modifying the facts that contain flaws the main character can't accept or cope with because it isn't up to his expectations.
It deals with suffering as an inner process that shapes our lives. Mann provides a brilliant portrayal of an artist suffering from his own self torturing.
Being inspired in Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, it serves as a literary portrayal of 'Life imitating art'.
Felix Krull (4 stars)
This work reflects the artistry in being a scammer. It is the perfect comedic depiction of the term 'con artist.'
Personally, I enjoyed much more the stories told in first person because I found them much more fluid and their characters more relatable.
The resource I enjoyed the most was the use of characters in Wagner's work and from greek mythology as reference or inspiration. E.g.: Reason (Apollonius) vs passion (Dionysius).
If you are looking for a source of quotes that act as food for thought, this work by Thomas Mann is a great place to start.
If you are interested in descriptions of each story, keep scrolling down.
Death in Venice (3,5 stars)
This story focuses on the artist and the nature of art, mind vs heart and repressed passion that, in turn, evolves into obsession.
Here, Mann also criticizes modern life and bourgeoisie.
It is an interesting take on platonic love and its consequences but, unfortunately, it was considerably repetitive and lacking of character development.
Tonio Kröger (3 stars)
A main point in this work is the separation of the artistic world and everyday life, and the struggles of an artist trapped between both. This is related to his indecision and confusion in his love life.
The ending seemed unfinished and it didn't give closure to the story.
Mario and the magician (2 stars)
This one was simply boring. I struggled the most to finish it.
It portrays Italian fascism: controlling people's wills and freedom.
Criticism of artists.
Disorder and early sorrow (2,5 stars)
Loss of respect for the older members of a family.
Criticism of artists and disapproval within some levels of society.
A man and his dog (4,5 stars)
I loved the affectionate and heartfelt description of the dog. I found it interesting for the dog to be ´special´, and not just another pure breed specimen.
I think that it was unnecessary to dedicate a full and lengthy section to the description of the river zone.
On the other hand, the parts where he focused on describing the dog and its relationship with the family were far more enjoyable. Mann wrote a marvellous characterization of a dog, particularly its personality and conduct. I couldn't help to think of my own dogs while reading certain passages. It has now become one of my favorite stories about the relationship of man and his 'best friend'. It is, by far, my favorite of the 8 stories within the collection.
The blood of the Walsungs (2,5 stars)
Aestheticism, social status and superiority of classes.
Fiction turning into reality -within the story; 'art imitates art'.
Tristan (3,5 stars)
Escaping from reality through art, by modifying the facts that contain flaws the main character can't accept or cope with because it isn't up to his expectations.
It deals with suffering as an inner process that shapes our lives. Mann provides a brilliant portrayal of an artist suffering from his own self torturing.
Being inspired in Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, it serves as a literary portrayal of 'Life imitating art'.
Felix Krull (4 stars)
This work reflects the artistry in being a scammer. It is the perfect comedic depiction of the term 'con artist.'