Mario and the Magician

Mario and the Magician is a story of political inclination written by German author Thomas Mann in 1929.

Related Topics:
Thomas Mann - 1929

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During the first half of the story, the narrator describes a trip to Torre di Venere which becomes unpleasant for himself and his family. The Italian people are too nationalist according to the narrator. The second half of the story introduces the character Cipolla, a hypnotist who uses his mental powers over his audience in a "fascist" way. Cipolla may well be a representation of Mussolini, Stalin or Hitler. Cipolla is autocratic, he misuses power and subjugates the masses and seems to do so to counterbalance his inferiority complex, and artificial self-confidence. The assassination of Cipolla by Mario, a native of Torre di Venere is not a tragedy, but a liberation for the audience.

Related Topics:
Torre di Venere - Mussolini - Stalin - Hitler - Autocratic

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