Reflection Paper: “Tristan” (Thomas Mann)
1. What function does Dr. Müller fulfill at the sanatorium? (106)
2. What effect did the pregnancy and delivery have on Frau Klöterjahn? (110)
3. How is Frau Klöterjahn’s son described? (110, 115 - and elsewhere in the story)
4. Describe Herr Klöterjahn in your own words. You may, of course, use some quotes
from the text. (111)
5. What does Spinell catch Herr Klöterjahn doing? (111)
6. Describe Spinell in your own words. You may, of course, use some quotes from the
text. (112)
7. What is Frau Klöterjahn’s reaction upon hearing that Spinell is a writer? (114)
8. What kind of “medical treatment” does Spinell receive at the sanatorium? What was
this treatment used for at the turn of the 20th century (the time at which the story was
written)? (116)
9. What aspects of the 3-way conversation depicted here suggest a kind of exclusive
intimacy shared by Frau Klöterjahn and Spinell? (115-117)
10. Why does Spinell go for walks early in the morning, after having taken a cold bath
(according to him)? (117) What purpose do ascetic ideals sometimes fulfill for the artist,
according to Friedrich Nietzsche (see excerpt from “What do Ascetic Ideals Mean?”)
11. Why is catching a “blurry glimpse” (118) of someone often better than “staring into a
face” (119), according to Spinell?
12. Why does Spinell feel “painful embarrassment” (119)?
13. What kind of effect does “that eccentric Herr Spinell” have on Frau Klöterjahn?
Quote and comment in your own words. (120)
14. What is “no rare occurrence,” according to Spinell? (122)
15. What is Frau Klöterjahn forbidden to do? (122)
16. See last two paragraphs of top section of page 125. This brief exchange between an
anonymous guest and Frau Klöterjahn suggests that a change has already taken place in
Frau Klöterjahn. Explain.
17. What question leads Herr Spinell to “redden” and to “wr[ing] his hands”? (133)
18. What kind of health was Frau Klöterjahn in the day after having played the piano?
(135)
19. What is Herr Klöterjahn’s most “concerned” about after arriving at Einfried? (136)
20. Try to summarize Spinell’s letter in 3-5 sentences. (138-142) Does it have the desired
effect, do you think? (142-146)
Extra credit: Cite at least three examples in the text that depict Frau Klöterjahn is an
angelic figure. Remember to cite page numbers, as well.