Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Essay on Art as a Reflection of Life in Death in Venice -- Death in Ve

Art as a Reflection of Life in Death in Venice Death in Venice explores the relationship between an artist, namely Gustave von Aschenbach, and the homo in which he lives. Aschenbach, destined to be an artist from a young age, represents art, while his surroundings represent life. As the story unfolds, Aschenbach endeavors on a tour in an attempt to relinquish his position in society as an artist. Aschenbach wants to experience life, as opposed to merely reflecting upon it, as he has done for so many years. This attempted change of lifestyle can also be interpreted as a transition from the ways of Apollo to those of Dionysus, an archetype dating hind end to Nietzsches Birth of Tragedy. Aschenbachs journey throughout Death in Venice can be seen as an artists attempt to live life free from artistic interpretations. In the end, however, Aschenbach fails and his decease shows that art is transient. Because of Aschenbachs failure to step down from his position as an artist and to beco me a part of life, it can be concluded that art is rigorously a reflection of life. Aschenbachs journey commences upon his encountering a stranger on a portico. He was obviously not Bavarian. (Mann, 4) Aschenbach, never having ventured far from home, is intrigued by this foreigner who fails to crap him the respect and reverence that he is used to as a renowned artist. For the first time in his life, Aschenbach is challenged. So now, perhaps, feeling, thus tyrannized, avenged itself by deviation him, refusing from now on to carry and wing his art and taking away with it all the ecstasy he had known in form and expression. (Mann, 7) Aschenbach, acknowledging the challenge, resolves to travel. The new rule upon which he is to embark, t... ...be an artist is shown throughout his life, including in his last moments on the beach when he fears Tadzios death. The irony of Ashenbachs demise emphasizes that art, as a reflection of life, is transient. And before crepuscle a shocked and res pectful world received the news of his decease. (Mann, 73) Aschenbach has earned his place in history as an artist. But like all artists, he is replaced by his successors. Aschenbachs transition from an Apollonian way of life to a Dionysian one shows that art reflects life. In his case, art is nothing more than a reflection, and although beautiful and appreciated, it is not an essential element of life itself. Works Cited Mann, Thomas. Microsoft(r) Encarta(r) 98 Encyclopedia. 1993-1997. Mann, Thomas. Death In Venice. New York Vintage Books, 1989. http//philos.wright.edu/Dept/CLS/wk/204/DV.html

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