Death in Venice

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1912, Thomas Mann's «Death in Venice» is a seminal work of modernist literature. The book explores themes of aestheticism, decadence, and inner conflict through the story of writer Gustav von Aschenbach, who experiences a torturous attraction to the young Tadzio against the backdrop of a cholera epidemic in Venice. The work has had a significant impact on 20th-century literature and art, inspiring numerous interpretations in film, theater, and music. It also raises important questions about the nature of creativity, morality, and human passion, making it relevant even today.