In Thomas Mann's Death in Venice, Mann explores the struggle between impulse and logic through the symbolism of baggage presented throughout. The baggage that Aschenbach holds onto represents the dominance of logic over his impulses and the effects that social restrictions have on his natural instincts. The evolution of Aschenbach's relationship with his baggage illustrates his natural distancing from the influences of social restrictions and his gradual embrace of innate impulses. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Mann demonstrates the gradual change in Aschenbach's lifestyle by initially stating the values that the baggage represents through associations, comparisons, and contrasts. The first example of baggage is introduced when Aschenbach arrives at his original vacation destination, a remote island, with a speedboat carrying "him and his baggage into the misty dawn over the water" (Mann, 15). Mann groups Aschenbach and his baggage as connected entities on the speedboat through the image of Aschenbach located in close proximity to his baggage, but also through the form of the text by placing the two subjects very close together on the page, to demonstrate his attachment to baggage. The luggage also acts as interferences brought by civilization into the isolation and remoteness of the holiday island. The foggy environment and uncertainty about direction and destination demonstrate Aschenbach's shortsightedness regarding his future and desires, as well as his inability to make the best decision. Mann then reinforces the fact that baggage is an extension of social values by describing “those of the second class” who sat on their “bundles of baggage” and associated baggage with the standards of modern society (Mann, 16). While Aschenbach travels in gondola heading to the Hotel des Bains, not only admires the ship's "coffin black" seats, but also praises the gondola seat as "the softest... most relaxing seat in the world" (Mann, 20). between the black color of the coffin and the relaxing qualities it establishes death as a luxurious escape from the overwhelming stress of everyday life and the ultimate relaxation. Aschenbach's place on the gondola is "in front of his luggage, which lay neatly composed" to emphasize the contrast between the relief offered by death and the order, obligations and responsibilities represented by his baggage on the polar opposite side of the spectrum (Mann, 20). Aschenbach approaches a window and stands looking out at the sea, hearing only the “rhythmic beating on the sand” (Mann, 24). The separation between the interior of the hotel room, where the luggage is located, and the outside world of nature parallels Aschenbach's struggle between the confines of social standards and his natural instincts. Through comparing and contrasting baggage with images of society, the final relief of death, as well as the relaxation and freedom of nature, Aschenbach's baggage is the ultimate symbolism for the constraints established by social values and its overwhelming use of logic in his decisions. making.As Aschenbach's trip to Venice progresses, the physical distance between Aschenbach and his luggage increases, and Aschenbach gradually confronts the values that the luggage represents, as well as the social restrictions imposed on his life. Aschenbach's evolution is foreshadowed when the gondolier informs him that he cannot take his luggage onto the vaporetto and Aschenbach retorts: “Maybe I'll want to leave my luggage in storage. You will turn away” (Mann, 22). The use of an exotic language for the name of the destination represents the cultural difference of a foreign land and its owneffect in distancing Aschenbach from his baggage, old ways and burdens of responsibility. Aschenbach's indecisiveness towards the placement of his baggage and repeated changes of direction highlight his confusion regarding whether he should consult his logic or instincts in terms of decision making. While en route to the Venetian hotel, Aschenbach ordered his “luggage [to be] taken to the Hotel des Bains” in a separate carriage as the first physical separation from his luggage in Venice (Mann, 23). Hotel des Bains also translates to Hotel Bath, introducing images of Aschenbach using his time in Venice to cleanse himself of old, inadequate lifestyles and start anew. However, Aschenbach does not willingly accept the lack of luggage until he decides to leave Venice and the deliveryman warns him that the car will leave soon, to which he passionately replies "well, then you could go and take this trunk with you". (Mann, 36). Aschenbach's irritation with heavy time constraints has prevailed and revealed his preference for a leisurely lifestyle, and his lack of baggage only reinforces his newfound relaxation and frustration with obligations and restrictions. As Aschenbach leaves the Hotel des Bains with only his light hand luggage, Aschenbach complains about the brevity of the trip and the meetings with Tadzio, and "unusually for him, he formed a farewell with his lips, he even uttered it" seeing Tadzio (Mann, 36). The repeated mention of time emphasizes Aschenbach's pull away from filling his time with responsibilities and obligations, and his pursuit of free time, where Aschenbach gains the freedom to become the sole influence of his actions. The more time Aschenbach spends in Venice, the greater the physical distance that is established between Aschenbach and his luggage. Even his attitude towards his baggage changes from an initial dependence to the enjoyment of a newfound and unburdened freedom. Aschenbach's transformation after the departure of his luggage is highlighted by his embrace of spontaneity in voicing a farewell to his unrequited obsession, Tadzio. The transformation has endowed Aschenbach with aggression, the ability to act and act on his inner desires without the limits of logic and a society that condemns his obsession with Tadzio. Aschenbach demonstrates the completion of his transformation by revealing his homosexuality and love for Tadzio, an impossible feat without using his new instincts, independence and aggression. The evolution of Aschenbach's relationship with his baggage ultimately allows Aschenbach to pursue his love for Tadzio without societal constraints and demonstrates the casual and uncontrollable nature of love, and illustrates the permanence of both social pressures and innate natural instincts , and how dependence on logic is ultimately an obstacle to human autonomy. Aschenbach's progress is evidenced by two parallel events that closed the circle of his transformation. When Aschenbach first entered the Hotel des Bains, he refrained from unpacking; an action that shows that logic is still the dominant reason in his head as well as his excessive use of caution. Furthermore, by not unpacking his bags, Aschenbach recognizes the inevitable departure from Venice and a return to everyday life. During his second stay at the Hotel des Bains, after his lost trunk is returned, Aschenbach takes full advantage of his second chance and shows his disdain for the constraints of his life by considering his debacle “such a happy misfortune.. . then the lost trunk was placed in his room, and he hurriedly unpacked” (Mann, 40). Since the bags were returned, this shows that the social order is still in..
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