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Death in Venice

by Thomas Mann

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Chapter 3 Summary

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Having arrived alone at the hotel, Aschenbach sees a wealthy and aristocratic-looking Polish family that consists of a mother, a father, three teenage girls, a governess, and boy of about fourteen. He is struck by the appearance of the boy, who has honey-colored hair and is "absolutely beautiful," with features like a Greek sculpture.

Aschenbach sees the boy again at the beach and his admiration for him grows. He listens in on the family's conversation and makes out that his name is Tadzio. He grows increasingly fascinated by this boy in a sailor's suit with beautiful hair and hands, perceiving him as gentle and tender. Wanting to observe the boy and the ocean scene, the normally self-disciplined Aschenbach puts aside his letter-writing equipment and lap desk to absorb what is around him.

Later, Aschenbach happens to see the boy on the elevator and thinks he looks sickly, as if he might not live too long. He also notes his own advanced age, which stands out in contrast to the boy's youth.

Aschenbach then heads off to continue his journey, but he is glad when he finds out that his trunk has been misdirected. He experiences "delight, an unbelievable hilarity." He returns to the hotel to wait for his trunk and realizes he is so happy because the delay will give him more time to be near Tadzio.

At the hotel, he feels he is not himself, wondering why he is having trouble making up his mind. He again realizes the "exhilaration" he feels coursing through him is due to Tadzio's being nearby. Significantly, at the end of the chapter, he spreads his arms expansively. This is a "spontaneous" act of acceptance of fate in this very controlled man. Though he is excited to be near Tadzio and even imagines speaking to him, Aschenbach remains silent, watching the boy from afar.

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Chapter 2 Summary

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Chapter 4 Summary