Part 4 Summary

Aschenbach's decision to remain in Venice fills him with joy in that he may now immerse himself in watching Tadzio. Aschenbach's days are filled with watching Tadzio at the beach and other sights in Venice where their paths cross. At night, Aschenbach sleeps fitfully but happily, eager to awaken and possibly see Tadzio.

The thought that this obsession with the boy may be inappropriate briefly occurs to Aschenbach, but he pushes it away as the artist pushes away every ugly thing. Aschenbach's previously defined date of departure passes, and Aschenbach has more money sent to him and plans to stay indefinitely to be in Tadzio's presence.

It occurs to Aschenbach one day that Tadzio may share his infatuation. Never having spoken, the man and the boy share glances and an unspoken comfort in the other's presence. Perhaps Aschenbach does not want to speak...