Part 2 Summary

Aschenbach was born in the province of Selesia to a father who was a prominent official and a mother who was an artist. This combination of officialdom and passion combined to created Aschenbach's personality. An only child, Aschenbach led a solitary life and was schooled at home, which led to further isolation. The sense of discipline instilled in him as a child remains with Aschenbach, and he prides himself on his ability to persevere in spite of tribulations.

Aschenbach receives much professional attention and many tributes throughout his life, but he adopts a cloak of regal bearing to hide the loneliness and sense of futility that pervade his soul. Eventually Aschenbach marries and settles in Munich. The death of his wife soon after plunges Aschenbach into an even deeper melancholy. Aschenbach's daughter is now married herself, and he regrets not having a son...