Adorno as the devil in Mann’s 'Doctor Faustus': aspects of modernism in music, literature and critique

Leslie, Laura (2014) Adorno as the devil in Mann’s 'Doctor Faustus': aspects of modernism in music, literature and critique. MMus(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Thomas Mann’s Doctor Faustus is considered to be one of the most important works of literature produced in the twentieth century. It is a study of music, of genius, of culture and of the political and aesthetic crises of modernism, centring on the nefarious pact the main character, a composer, makes with the devil. This diabolical figure is fundamental to any critical analysis of Faustus, and for many scholars the devil has become synonymous with the philosophical works of Mann’s collaborator on this project, the German philosopher and social theorist Theodor W. Adorno. The image of Adorno as the Devil has continued to fascinate scholars in the decades since the publication of Mann’s novel, resulting in a wide range of critical and interpretive responses. This dissertation will explore aspects of the works of both men, seeking to reveal the importance of Doctor Faustus, Philosophy of Modern Music and Aesthetic Theory as expressions of the crises of modernity, using Jean-François Lyotard’s essay Adorno as the Devil to illustrate the continued relevance of these works to discourses concerning the future of art and philosophy.

• Item Type: Thesis (MMus(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: T.W Adorno, Thomas Mann, Doctor Faustus, Jean-Francois Lyotard, Philosophy of Modern Music, Aesthetic Theory, art, philosophy, music, genius, modernism
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BH Aesthetics; M Music and Books on Music > ML Literature of music; P Language and Literature > PT Germanic literature
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Music
• Supervisor's Name: Parker Dixon, Dr. Martin
• Date of Award: 2014
• Depositing User: Miss Laura Leslie
• Unique ID: glathesis:2014-5233
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2014 11:32
• Last Modified: 30 Oct 2014 11:35
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/5233