What is the theme in Disorder and Early Sorrow by Thomas Mann?

A second thematic consideration in Mann's fiction is the role of art and the artist in society. As the story unfolds, Professor Cornelius expresses his disapproval of many of contemporary art forms and society's attitudes towards them. He takes issue with the way Herzl comes to the party wearing make-up. The Professor also takes offense at Herzl's interactions with "the little folk," when Herzl rolls his eyes up and puts his hand over his mouth and blesses them when he first meets the children.