THOMAS MANN’ IN VENEDİK’TE ÖLÜM ADLI YAPITINDA MİTOLOJİK İZLEKLER

MYTHOLOGICAL TRACES IN THOMAS MANN’S DEATH IN VENICE

Abstract

The focus of the study is on the novella Death in Venice by Thomas Mann who is one

of the most important German writers of the twentieth century. We intend to analyze

the mythological events which are discussed in the work and offer a rich reading

opportunity. By trying to reveal the reflections of the characteristics of some gods in

Ancient Greek mythology, we have discussed the reflections of these gods on the

characters in the works. We have analyzed how the main character, Aschenbach,

transformed from the line of logic, reason and order to the line of emotion, passion,

ecstasy and love. We tried to interpret these two opposing views on the apollonistic

and dionistic thought developed by Nietzche from the characteristics of the gods of

Apollo and Dionysus from Ancient Greece. We emphasized the companionship of Hermes, who became famous in Greek mythology as the messenger of the gods, to

Aschenbach with different characters from beginning to end.

Keywords: Thomas Mann, Aschenbach, Hermes, Apollon, Dionysos