What is the theme in Death in Venice by Thomas Mann?

Sexuality is another theme in the book. Death in Venice has become a central text in the canon of gay literature, even though the novella depicts no sexual acts and never explicitly mentions homosexuality. However, von Aschenbach's love for Tadzio, which he tells himself is based on the young boy's beauty, is quite obviously sexual as well, and the passion he feels for the boy is evident in his physical responses to the sight of the boy. Mann develops the theme of same sex love primarily through his use of Greek mythology, particularly when he makes comparisons between von Aschenbach's love for Tadzio with Socrates's love for Phaedrus and Apollo's for Hyacinthus. Ancient Greek culture was well known for its homosexual relationships, especially older Greek men's love for boys.