What is the difference between traditional realism and Thomas Mann's realism?

I. Different connotations

1. Traditional realism has a critical spirit;

2. Thomas Mann's realism not only has a critical spirit, but also draws on the influence of the modernist trend in the early twentieth century, and has both positive and pessimistic aspects. The positive side is that he held a harshly critical attitude towards the old society, and the pessimistic side is that he always had reservations about the emergence of the 'new world'.

Second, the writing techniques are different

1, the traditionalist novels are based on the tone of realism, the structure of the novels are well-designed, the plot and the characters are meticulously arranged.

2. Thomas Mann's novels have the characteristics of realist novels, and also have unique symbolic characterization; metaphorical detailing; stream-of-consciousness presentation; non-plotting of novels; in addition to the use of psychoanalysis, subtle sarcasm, and even details with absurd colors to interweave reality and dream, reality and illusion, memory and impression.

Expanded:

Thomas Mann (June 6, 1875 - August 12, 1955) was a German writer.

Thomas Mann inherited the nineteenth-century humanist tradition in his thought, while at the same time being y influenced by the philosophical thought of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, as well as Freudian psychoanalysis.

The basic theme of his early creations: pain, loneliness and lack of a way out of social life, especially the artist's distress in the real world. The important work of the second stage of creation, "The Magic Mountain": a reflection of various social trends and the psychological state of many types of intellectuals before the "World War I". The third period of life in exile and creation. The tetralogy "Joseph and his Brothers": humanitarianism and anti-fascism. Dr. Faustus and other important novels of later years.

References:

Baidu Encyclopedia - Thomas. Mann