Doctor Faustus

Interesting Facts

• The main character, Adrian Leverkühn, makes a pact with the devil, which is an allusion to the classic Faust myth.
• The novel is written in the form of a biography narrated by the main character's friend, Serenus Zeitblom.
• Thomas Mann incorporated elements of musical theory and philosophy into the novel to create a complex and layered text.
• The book was written during World War II and contains numerous allegories about the political situation in Germany at the time.
• Adrian Leverkühn suffers from syphilis, symbolizing his spiritual decay and moral downfall.
• Mann consulted with composer Arnold Schoenberg while writing the musical parts of the novel.
• The novel explores the theme of genius and madness, showing how creative inspiration can lead to self-destruction.