The story is a fictionalized version of Mann's own family history. The role of Schopenhauer's philosophy in Thomas’s death? A comparison to other "family saga" novels?
Expands the business but begins the trend of prioritizing duty over happiness. Third Generation: Thomas, Christian, and Tony Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family
Pious and hardworking, but more anxious than his father. The story is a fictionalized version of Mann's
Biological decline (bad teeth, illness) mirrors financial ruin. and Tony Pious and hardworking
The firm struggles to adapt to new industrial capitalism.
Scandals and failed marriages drain the family's social capital.