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Part 8, Chapter 4
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Buddenbrooks, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Family and Sacrifice
Tradition, Modernity, and Change
The Protestant Ethic
Personal Fulfillment and Self-Knowledge
Pretense and Etiquette
Summary
Analysis
According to Tony, “the most faithful and enthusiastic caretaker of the family records,” July 7, 1768 marks the 100-year anniversary of the Buddenbrook firm’s founding. Thomas takes this news ambivalently, feeling apprehensive about his deal with von Maiboom. When Herr Marcus learned what Thomas had done, he was furious. Now Thomas himself is doubting whether he made the right choice, and he’s certainly not in the mood to celebrate the firm. He suggests they ignore the anniversary, but Tony insists they celebrate.
Tony, ever eager to keep up appearances, characteristically insists on commemorating the firm’s 100-year anniversary with a very official, visible celebration. Thomas’s ambivalence reveals that the burst of confidence he had when he decided to do business with von Maiboom has long since faltered. Herr Marcus’s horror upon hearing about the deal has made Thomas doubt whether his risk will pay off or whether he should have done the prudent thing and refrained from doing business with von Maiboom.
Active
Themes
And so, the firm publishes an article in the Advertiser about the Buddenbrook firm’s storied and prosperous history. The family orders a big plaque to mark the anniversary. When Tony and Hanno present it to the whole family, it fills Bethsy with pride for Thomas and all he’s accomplished. Tony passes along the various telegrams from family members congratulating Thomas. Even Permaneder sent one. Thomas feels uncomfortable and tries to redirect the attention away from the business, but Ida Jungmann interrupts to say that Hanno has prepared a poem to recite to Thomas.
Thomas can’t bring himself to take pride in the plaque because its symbolism is empty for him. He does not feel he has earned the praise his family is showering on him, and he grows more insecure and self-critical of his contributions to the family legacy with each new setback. Amid these broader existential woes, he continues to agonize over the recent von Maiboom deal, still not knowing whether he’s in the clear or whether he has made a horrible mistake.
Active
Themes
Hanno enters the room dressed in his Danish sailor outfit, leans against the piano, and prepares to speak. He wavers, and it’s clear what is about to happen: he will cry and not be able to complete his performance, which is what he always does whenever he’s pressured to perform for his father. Thomas impatiently urges Hanno to get going already, then he criticizes Hanno’s posture and annunciation. Thomas knows he’s being cruel and unreasonable. He tries to backtrack and encourage his son, but it’s too late—Hanno is too crushed to finish his poem.
Downstairs, Thomas is met with a chorus of congratulations from his employees and from fellow senators who drop by to wish him well. People have come from out of town for this reason alone, and they and the rest of the Buddenbrooks later gather in the large salon. Just then, there’s a commotion from the vestibule: it’s a local marching bad. The band begins to play, and Thomas feels increasingly uncomfortable. Later, as the band pauses for a break, a messenger enters and delivers a telegram to Thomas. Thomas’s eyes bulge as he reads the telegram. “That will do,” he croaks to the messenger. Thomas begins to sway and rock as he mutters to himself. He abruptly exits the salon and lies down on a sofa. After collecting himself for several minutes, he stands to return to the salon, but he can’t bring himself to face his guests.
Active
Themes
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