Mario and the Magician

Mario and the Magician is one of Mann's most political stories. Mann openly criticizes fascism, a choice which later became one of the grounds for his exile to Switzerland following Hitler's rise to power. The magician, Cipolla, is analogous to the looming specter of fascism emergent in that era. The story was especially timely, considering the tensions in Europe when it was written; Mussolini was urging Italians to recapture the glory of the Roman Empire. The end of the story represents Mann's changing political views; he moved from staunch support of the Kaiser during his early life to a belief in progressive, democratic values in Europe and a desire to rid the continent of fascist influences.