Three Human Conditions in Thomas Mann: Illness, Old Agge, and Death

Abstract

Famous 20tn century German writer Thomas Mann uses the concepts of "illness, old age, and death" in his work frequently and without hesitation, and attributes some romantic meanings to these concepts. For Mann, through these three human conditions human gain insights into the meanings of many things in life and respect all aspects of life. "Health, youth, love and beauty" are not the only human conditions but there exist "illness, old age, and death" as well. These three conditions are not sad experiences but they add meaning to human life and it is the artist's duty to present these conditions in an optimistic manner rather that in a pessimistic or nihilistic way.