Death in Venice book club questions
by Thomas Mann · a kit for three meetings · 15 questions · printable
Fifteen discussion questions for Death in Venice, grouped by three stretches of the book of about the same length, with a reading plan, themes to talk about and a sheet you can print. Two good openers: when an exhausted writer suddenly wants to travel, does leaving seem like renewal or escape? And how much personal strain is a fair price for artistic success?
The reading plan
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Meeting 1: Parts I to III
- When an exhausted writer suddenly wants to travel, does leaving seem like renewal or escape?
- How much personal strain is a fair price for artistic success?
- Does the writer's discipline seem more like a source of strength or a burden?
- How do the disturbing encounters on arrival affect your expectations of the holiday?
- What might Aschenbach's attention to the beautiful young guest suggest about what he needs from this holiday?
Meeting 2: III (Continued) to Part IV
- Does the misplaced luggage give Aschenbach freedom to choose, or help him avoid admitting that he is choosing?
- How would you weigh Aschenbach's illness against his attachment when judging his decision to return?
- Can using an excuse still lead to an honest understanding of your feelings?
- Why might a steady seaside routine deepen Aschenbach's fascination rather than settle it?
- Does the boy's smile change Aschenbach's feelings, or change what he can admit to himself?
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Meeting 3: Part V
- How does confirmed cholera change your judgment of Aschenbach's pursuit of Tadzio?
- What might Aschenbach be trying to change beyond his looks when he alters his appearance?
- Does Aschenbach's continued pursuit suggest clear choice, self-deception, or something between them?
- How does Aschenbach's collapse affect your reading of his earlier hope that travel would restore him?
- Does Aschenbach's pursuit despite danger overturn his earlier discipline, or reveal another form of determination?
Your club needs the book
Every format for everyone
The 15-minute summary today, the eBook and audiobook as each opens; one plan covers up to 5 readers in one home. Try 3 months free
The same printed edition
Printed club sets of this book are not on sale yet. We write once, on the day they can be ordered. Email me when it's printed
Themes to talk about
Tips for the host
- Open each meeting with one question everyone can answer, then go deeper.
- Anyone who fell behind can catch up with the 15-minute summary.
Free for 3 months
Read the whole of Death in Venice, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Five accounts for the price of one: the book to read and hear, and printed copies, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months freeMore book club kits: Wuthering Heights · The Odyssey · Hamlet · All kits
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