44 pages • 1 hour read
Thomas MannDeath in Venice
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1912A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Death in Venice, renowned author Gustav von Aschenbach, struggling with creative work, decides to vacation in Venice, where he becomes infatuated with a young boy named Tadzio. This obsession drives Gustav to irrational behavior, leading him to follow Tadzio around the city while Venice succumbs to a cholera epidemic.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Thomas Mann's Death in Venice deftly balances psychological depth and lush prose, captivating readers with its portrayal of obsession and beauty. Praised for its evocative setting and rich symbolism, it faces criticism for its slow pacing and dense narrative. A compelling read, though potentially challenging for some.
Who Should Read Death in Venice?
A reader who enjoys complex psychological narratives, philosophical themes, and rich, descriptive prose will appreciate Thomas Mann's Death in Venice. Fans of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and Camus' The Stranger will find similar existential exploration and moral ambiguity.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1410L