The Magic Mountain · Chapter
The Thermometer explained
Hans Castorp, suffering from a persistent cold and fever, is persuaded by Joachim to seek a medical examination from Hofrat Behrens.
What happens
Hans Castorp, suffering from a persistent cold and fever, is persuaded by Joachim to seek a medical examination from Hofrat Behrens. The cousins arrange an appointment after encountering Behrens, who agrees to see Hans. The chapter details Hans's physical discomfort, his enjoyment of the evening rest cure despite his illness, and the amused, knowing reactions of the other sanatorium residents when they learn of his fever.
Themes in this chapter
Disease and Death
The chapter centers on Hans's physical symptoms (fever, catarrh) and the formal medical examination. Behrens's casual description of a risky rib resection underscores the ever-present reality of illness and mortality at the Berghof.
Isolation and Community
Hans finds profound personal comfort in the isolated ritual of the rest cure, yet is simultaneously drawn into the sanatorium's social web through the communal reaction to his fever, which is both mocking and inclusive.
Characters to notice
- Hans Castorp
Suffers from a heavy cold and fever (99.6°), agrees to a medical examination, and reflects on the comfort of the rest cure and the unsettling yet flattering attention from the dining hall.
- Joachim Ziemssen
Concerned for his cousin, arranges the joint medical appointment with Behrens, and is described as preoccupied during their walk.
- Hofrat Behrens
Agrees to examine Hans Castorp, displaying his characteristic jovial and macabre humor, referencing a recent rib resection surgery.
- Frau Stöhr
Reacted with malicious delight to Hans's fever, then launched into a repulsive monologue about the pleasures of coughing, sneezing, and scratching chilblains.
- Marusja
Noticed Hans Castorp for the first time upon hearing of his fever, staring at him and shaking her finger in playful accusation.
- Dr. Blumenkohl
Passively joined in the table's reaction to Hans Castorp's fever, as prompted by Frau Stöhr.
Key passages
“"It is too absurd—if you were at home, you would send for Heidekind, and up here, with two specialists in the house, you run about and don’t know where you are, nor how serious it is..."”
Joachim argues that it's illogical for Hans to be untreated when expert doctors are readily available, unlike the situation back home.
Highlights the paradoxical nature of the sanatorium, where illness is the norm yet medical attention is not automatically sought for common ailments.
“"He won’t be able to do much, of course—he may prescribe some sort of pectoral syrup or some cough lozenges. However, it is good to have a little encouragement when you feel the way I do."”
Hans Castorp doubts the examination will yield significant treatment but seeks the psychological comfort of professional reassurance.
Shows Hans's ambivalence and his need for validation, even from the institution he views with some skepticism.
“"Then how altogether ludicrous it was to see them! They shook their fingers at him, they winked maliciously..."”
The dining hall residents react to Hans's fever with knowing, gleeful accusation, as if he has been unmasked.
Illustrates the perverse community bonding over shared illness and the initiation of a newcomer into the patient identity.