The Art of Decadence Essay -- Literary Analysis

In the late 19th century decadence was a tremendously popular theme in European literature. In addition, the degeneracy of the individual and society at large was represented in numerous contemporaneous works by Mann. In Death in Venice, the theme of decadence caused by aestheticism appears through Gustav von Achenbachs eccentric, specifically homoerotic, feelings towards a Polish boy named Tadzio. Although his feelings work from a sound source, the boys aesthetic beauty, Aschenbach becomes decadent in how excessively zealous his feelings are, and his obsession ultimately leads to his literal and existential destruction. This exemplifies how aestheticism is closely associate to, and indeed often the cause of decadence. Although the narrative is about more complexities, the authors use of such vivid descriptions suggest the physical, literal aspect of his report is just as important to the meaning of the story.The first and most obvious instance of aestheticism and decadence a s correlating themes in this story is the call, Death in Venice. By fore-grounding the name of the city in the title, Mann is highlighting the citys key role in the unfolding narrative. Mann aligns the word Venice with the word death in the title. This creates a relationship between these 2 words - the word death strongly infuses the word Venice with all its connotations. Death and decay are important ideas within the context of decadence. By shear nature the title relates the concepts of death and dying to the city of Venice, which implies that the location is where a death will occur. However, this is paralleled by the opening of the story when Mann drearily tells of Aschenbachs stroll through Munich. In the reading of this passage it ... ...ut to be the scene of a crowded, stifling city filled with cholera that eventually leads to his demise. Before this can occur however, he becomes internally decadent through his indulgence in Tadzios appearance. He then changes his appe arance to please his idol which in turn corrupts himself by turning him into the display case of decadent man he once despised. These themes of aestheticism and decadence, not in juxtaposition but in duality, are used frequently by Mann throughout the novella. whole caboodle CitedMann, Thomas, and Clayton Koelb. Death in Venice a new translation, backgrounds and contexts, criticism. New York W.W. Norton, 1994. Print.Ritters, Naoimi, and .Jeffrey B. Berlin. the Tradition of European Decadence. Approaches to teaching Manns Death in Venice and other short fiction. New York Modern style Association of America, 1992. 86-92. Print.