Death in Venice

How do memento mori symbols of impending death contribute to the presentation of the theme of The Inevitability of Decay and Death in Death in Venice? What is the significance of the three unnamed, ominous strangers (the foreigner in the straw hat in Chapter 1, the unlicensed gondolier in Chapter 3, and the lead performer in Chapter 5)?

The City of Venice is the setting of the majority of the novella’s chapters, and a major motif representing Aschenbach’s descent into excess sensuality. Examine the links between the unique history and culture of Venice and the city’s role in communicating and illuminating the themes of this novella.

How do descriptions of Tadzio’s physical appearance contribute to Mann’s exploration of the theme of The Idolization of Beauty?