Death in Venice

Death In Venice is a novella written by Thomas Mann, first published in 1912. The novel follows the life of a German composer named Gustav von Aschenbach. After being psychologically worn down by advancing age and disappointment in work, Aschenbach decides to take a holiday in Venice in an attempt to restore his physical and emotional well-being. During his stay, Aschenbach forms an obsession with a beautiful Polish boy on holiday with his family, whom he sees at the beach. This obsession soon turns into infatuation and leads to a corrupt relationship in which Aschenbach's spirit is destroyed in pursuit of the unattainable dream of love.

The novel begins with a description of Aschenbach and his responsibilities as a successful composer; however, he is approaching middle age and feeling worn down from creative exhaustion and an overwhelming feeling of responsibility. Seeking refuge from his weariness, he decides to depart for Venice. In Venice, his day-to-day rhythm is slowly restored as he indulges in mundane activities such as eating leisurely and enjoying the view of the harbour. The placid atmosphere is repeatedly disrupted by the heat and humidity, the "sweltering air", the strong smell of the canals, and the sight of unappetising sewerage boats.

Aschenbach soon meets and becomes infatuated with an adolescent Polish boy, Tadzio. Over the course of the novel, Aschenbach's obsession with the young boy grows into a corrupt relationship that reflects his inner turmoil. Though he initially attempts to keep his distance, he finds himself ever more drawn to the boy. Aschenbach's senses are heightened and he obsessively watches the boy like an obsessed animal, but can never reach the object of his desires.

The novel moves into allegorical territory as Aschenbach's infatuation with Tadzio is paralleled with his unfulfilled love of art, which he abandons in favour of a life of mere comfort. Aschenbach also increasingly sees Venice as a metaphor for life and death; it is a place of beauty, but also bloating corpses. As he enters a state of physical and emotional decadence, his symbolic death slowly approaches.

In the final part of the novel, Aschenbach succumbs to a cholera epidemic that has been spreading throughout the city. Having finally reached a state of complete degradation, Aschenbach closes his eyes and waits for the end. The novel ends with a scene of Tadzio leaving the city, with Aschenbach's death left unmentioned.

Death in Venice is a timeless exploration of the inner conflict of morality and sensuality; particularly that of homosexuality in the early twentieth century. Through its intense imagery, psychology and sensitive understanding of human nature, the novel is an acclaimed masterpiece of twentieth century literature. The story of a man desperately trying to escape his mediocrity, only to be doomed by his own love and desires, is a warning that still resonates in today's society.