Eros and the Creative Process in Thomas Mann’s Der Tod in Venedig and Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Il fuoco

Wood, Jessica (2013). Eros and the Creative Process in Thomas Mann’s Der Tod in Venedig and Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Il fuoco. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to examine the relationship between two texts which have rarely been considered together; namely, Thomas Mann’s Der Tod in Venedig (1912) and Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Il fuoco (1900). This comparison will pivot around the parallels surrounding the concept of Eros, and the impact of this force on the creative process, as presented by Mann and D’Annunzio. In each text the protagonist is an artist who experiences creative difficulties, and, in Venice, encounters an object of desire. This encounter triggers artistic creation in both artists, as the objects of desire act as muses; but when intoxicating erotic impulses eclipse creative focus, productivity is impeded. We see that Eros’ presence inspires, but also threatens, artistic production. Both artists become battlegrounds for artistic and erotic impulses; but only D’Annunzio’s protagonist succeeds in sublimating Eros to art, whilst Mann’s artist finally succumbs to his obsession, and to death. My study involves close analysis of several thematic threads common to both texts: the shared setting of Venice, and the significance of this decadent city; the classicism (and classical allusions) inherent to each text; the portrayal of desire and possession; and the representation of the creative process.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):