Venice as a Fateful Destination

Death in Venice

This flow traces how Venice shifts from the desired setting for rest into a seductive, unhealthy environment that Aschenbach cannot bring himself to leave.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Lagoon Arrival The Lagoon Arrival from "Death in Venice". The Lagoon Arrival A city approached by water Aschenbach sees Venice emerge from the lagoon in grey weather.

The Lagoon Arrival from "Death in Venice". The Lagoon Arrival A city approached by water Aschenbach sees Venice emerge from the lagoon in grey weather.

The Lagoon Arrival A city approached by water Aschenbach sees Venice emerge from the lagoon in grey weather. Its theatrical beauty makes the sea approach feel more fitting than the ordinary arrival by rail. The city’s spell The city immediately joins splendor to unease. His sense of arrival is not simply pleasure: the journey has brought him into a place where dream and danger will become difficult to separate.

A Black Gondola A Black Gondola from "Death in Venice". A Black Gondola Uncertain passage A brusque, unlicensed gondolier ignores Aschenbach’s intended route and rows him toward the Lido.

A Black Gondola from "Death in Venice". A Black Gondola Uncertain passage A brusque, unlicensed gondolier ignores Aschenbach’s intended route and rows him toward the Lido.

A Black Gondola Uncertain passage A brusque, unlicensed gondolier ignores Aschenbach’s intended route and rows him toward the Lido. The passenger resists briefly, then gives way to the soft, coffin-like boat and its soothing motion. Ease edged with menace The ride turns surrender into comfort. Its deathlike imagery makes the city’s beauty inseparable from danger, while Aschenbach’s passivity previews the weakening of his resistance.

The Beach Hotel The Beach Hotel from "Death in Venice". The Beach Hotel A promising refuge At the hotel, Aschenbach finds an international, orderly society and a room facing the open sea.

The Beach Hotel from "Death in Venice". The Beach Hotel A promising refuge At the hotel, Aschenbach finds an international, orderly society and a room facing the open sea.

The Beach Hotel A promising refuge At the hotel, Aschenbach finds an international, orderly society and a room facing the open sea. The setting appears to offer the ease, air, and change he wanted. A private fixation begins In the lobby, his attention settles on Tadzio’s beauty. The holiday’s promise of rest is already becoming bound to a particular person rather than to the sea or the change of scene.

The City’s Unhealthy Air The City’s Unhealthy Air from "Death in Venice". The City’s Unhealthy Air Physical warning Oppressive heat, stagnant smells, and crowded streets leave Aschenbach feverish and short of breath.

The City’s Unhealthy Air from "Death in Venice". The City’s Unhealthy Air Physical warning Oppressive heat, stagnant smells, and crowded streets leave Aschenbach feverish and short of breath.

The City’s Unhealthy Air Physical warning Oppressive heat, stagnant smells, and crowded streets leave Aschenbach feverish and short of breath. He concludes that Venice is bad for his health and resolves to leave. A warning resisted The city has already made a powerful impression, but bodily discomfort briefly restores his judgment. His decision to depart will soon be tested by the emotional cost of separation.

A Departure Reversed A Departure Reversed from "Death in Venice". A Departure Reversed Regret on the lagoon Aschenbach leaves the Lido but suffers increasingly as Venice recedes.

A Departure Reversed from "Death in Venice". A Departure Reversed Regret on the lagoon Aschenbach leaves the Lido but suffers increasingly as Venice recedes.

A Departure Reversed Regret on the lagoon Aschenbach leaves the Lido but suffers increasingly as Venice recedes. The thought of never returning turns a practical decision into a painful renunciation. Fate as permission His trunk is misdirected, so he returns to wait for it. The accident gives him a convenient excuse to undo his departure and exposes how strongly his desire has already displaced his plan.

Late May, as the ship enters Venice

On the first afternoon in Venice

The evening of his first day on the Lido

During his first afternoon walk in Venice

The morning after he announces his departure