This was a book that was originally published in 1924. It has since been called one of the most influential books to come out of Germany in the 20th century. In its original German the book is titled is Der Zauerberg, and many who have read The Magic Mountain Thomas Mann have been mystified by the cryptic symbolic messages therein.
Over the course of twelve years, the author worked on this book off and on. His work was interrupted by an event in his personal life when his wife was suffering from a problem with her lungs and was treated in Switzerland. Mann's visits to her served as the foundation of the story's opening.
One of the major historical events that interrupted the work of this writer was the First World War. While this may have caused a major delay on Mann finishing his work, it also had a major impact on the nature of his narrative. The conflict of this war and everything that resulted from it made the author take a close look at how he felt about everything from health, to sexuality and mortality.
This type of story is known as a bildungsroman. This form of storytelling focuses on the transformative journey of the protagonist rather than the protagonist him or herself. The story told in this book is of a simple young man and his personal development over his formative years, focusing on all the experiences that come with this journey.
One of the most well-used literary devices in this book is irony. Hans Castorp, the main character, is declared as simplistic early on in the story. However, he is soon shown to be not as simplistic as he first appeared. This is a commentary on the complexity of everyone. Reality is often simplified for Hans, ironically framing the complexities of life.
It is easy to see that disease is a major element of this book, but it is not always easy to see what the role of disease in the plot. Symbolically, disease represents a need to change, and in some cases to go on a spiritual journey. This is used to apply to both individuals and society itself. Through all this, Mann's highly used theme of the polarity of spirit and life is played out.
One of the big things that many readers struggle with when reading and trying to understand this book is the way the narrator challenges the reader by posing certain questions. This makes the work much more interactive than other novels, and requires a higher level of engagement from the reader. Sometimes these questions are obvious, while other times they are subtle and hidden.
After almost a century in print, the most thought-provoking critical analysts still differ on some of the midden messages being portrayed in this novel. While the author himself once said that he recommends the people read the book twice, three or four times might be necessary for many. The gratuitous irony, as well as symbolism blended with realism, make this a challenging but deeply meaningful read.
Over the course of twelve years, the author worked on this book off and on. His work was interrupted by an event in his personal life when his wife was suffering from a problem with her lungs and was treated in Switzerland. Mann's visits to her served as the foundation of the story's opening.
One of the major historical events that interrupted the work of this writer was the First World War. While this may have caused a major delay on Mann finishing his work, it also had a major impact on the nature of his narrative. The conflict of this war and everything that resulted from it made the author take a close look at how he felt about everything from health, to sexuality and mortality.
This type of story is known as a bildungsroman. This form of storytelling focuses on the transformative journey of the protagonist rather than the protagonist him or herself. The story told in this book is of a simple young man and his personal development over his formative years, focusing on all the experiences that come with this journey.
One of the most well-used literary devices in this book is irony. Hans Castorp, the main character, is declared as simplistic early on in the story. However, he is soon shown to be not as simplistic as he first appeared. This is a commentary on the complexity of everyone. Reality is often simplified for Hans, ironically framing the complexities of life.
It is easy to see that disease is a major element of this book, but it is not always easy to see what the role of disease in the plot. Symbolically, disease represents a need to change, and in some cases to go on a spiritual journey. This is used to apply to both individuals and society itself. Through all this, Mann's highly used theme of the polarity of spirit and life is played out.
One of the big things that many readers struggle with when reading and trying to understand this book is the way the narrator challenges the reader by posing certain questions. This makes the work much more interactive than other novels, and requires a higher level of engagement from the reader. Sometimes these questions are obvious, while other times they are subtle and hidden.
After almost a century in print, the most thought-provoking critical analysts still differ on some of the midden messages being portrayed in this novel. While the author himself once said that he recommends the people read the book twice, three or four times might be necessary for many. The gratuitous irony, as well as symbolism blended with realism, make this a challenging but deeply meaningful read.
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