Heinrich Mann: mirror and antagonist of his time

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This scientific work is a translation of my examination titled "Heinrich Mann: Die Entwicklung im Frühwerk vom 'sozialkritischen' zum 'politischen' Roman," published in Germany in 2007. It explores Mann's early literary life and his evolving perspective on societal changes at the turn of the century. The study illustrates his transformation into a democrat and his journey toward becoming a political author. Initially, Mann emerged as a literary figure for a small group of young writers during the "Fin de siècle" period. His early career as a journalist was influenced by French literary figures like Balzac, Bourget, and Zola, reflecting a strong admiration for the French spirit of the mid-19th century. Although born in 1871 and the brother of the renowned Thomas Mann, Heinrich was often underestimated in his time. His personal development reveals a stark contrast to his brother, showcasing a brilliance that may be overlooked by those unfamiliar with German literature. Mann's preference for peace over aggressive nationalism before World War I is evident in his works, where he employs irony and sarcasm to critique political attitudes. This article examines his literary contributions, particularly through comparisons of three novels: "Im Schlaraffenland" (1900), "Professor Unrat" (1905), and "Die Kleine Stadt" (1909), reflecting the emotional and metaphorical motives of Aestheticism while highlighting his increasing political enga