Mario and The Magician by Thomas Mann

Art as Social Criticism

Thomas Mann, 1875 -1955

• The German context (Empire, Republic, Fascism)

• The European context in the 1920s - Democracy in decline, nationalism and fascism on the rise

• Mann’s exile after 1933

Listen to Mann’s 1940 radio address. What is his argument?

Mario and the Magician, 1929

If we view this work as social criticism, what is the message that Mann wants us to take away from it?

In your groups, come up with as many answers as you can. Be prepared to share them with the class as a whole.

1.Critique of fascism2.The reciprocal relationship between the dictator and

the people3.Individual responsibility in the face of the monstrous4.The individual v. the collective, order v. freedom

Structure

1. Torre di Venere (to middle of p. 8)

2. Cipolla’s Performance: pre-intermission (Mid 8 to 19 first paragraph)

3. Cipolla’s Performance: post- intermission (p. 19 second paragraph to end)

In your groups, using the your assigned section, identify

passages that illustrate the themes we put on

the board. Be prepared to explain how the

passage communicates this message.

How is the message of Mario and the Magician similar to the message of Mann’s 1940 speech

on anti-Semitism?

How is this message received differently

when the medium is a work of art rather than a

speech?

What does art to the knowledge value of Mann’s message?