The lure of eros

... that hardened heart softened at once the first time the literary man spoke to him again... though it was only in passing and in the form of a mythological allusion, which to be understood required an education in the traditions of the West. It occurred after dinner; they ran into one another at the door that no longer slammed. Catching up with the young man, but with the intent of moving right past him, Settembrini said, "Well, my good engineer, how did you like the pomegranate?"

Hans Castorp smiled in confused delight. "I'm sorry - what did you say, Herr Settembrini? Pomegranate? We haven't had any pomegranates, have we? I don't think I've ever. . . no, wait, I did once drink some pomegranate juice and soda. It was too sweet for me."

Already past him now, the Italian looked back over his shoulder and carefully stated: "The gods and mortals have on occasion visited the realm of shades and found their way back. But those who reside in the nether world know that he who eats the fruits of their realm is forever theirs."


From The Magic Mountain by Mann, translated by John Woods