As with all of Mann's mature works, it seems more profitable to discuss literary traditions than literary precedents in the elucidation of the novel's imaginative context.
The title itself is clearly meant to suggest the world of fairy tales. The hermetically sealed environment of the sanatorium and the enchantment which regularly befalls all who enter its precincts hint at a realm of different dimensions. And yet this realm is described by a realist who does not rest until the surroundings are recognizable as those of the Swiss resort of Davos.
By the nature of its theme, The Magic Mountain can also lay claim to the peculiarly German tradition.....
This is a free excerpt of 109 words. This section contains 212 words. This
study guide contains 18,867 words (approx. 63 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our The Magic Mountain Access Pass.