Death in Venice

By Thomas Mann

Subjects: Gay men, Translations into English, Venice (italy), fiction, LGBTQ novels before Stonewall, LGBTQ short stories, Manners and customs, English Translations, Continental european fiction (fictional works by one author), Fiction, Fiction, short stories (single author), Fiction, psychological

Description: In DEATH IN VENICE, an elderly, famous, and wealthy writer named Aschenbach goes on vacation. He becomes fascinated with Tadzio, a young teenager who is staying with his family at Aschenbach's hotel. As his obsession grows, and despite warnings that a plague is threatening Venice, Aschenbach remains at the hotel hoping to make a connection with the elusive Tadzio. Mann's novel is celebrated for its subtle characterization, and its exploration of the struggles of the artist--the longing for transcendence and ideal beauty vs. the need to sacrifice for one's art.