Tarbox views depressive behavior in terms of a four-phase 'ecstatic suicidal process'. The first phase is a depression in which contact with reality is maintained. The second is a hypomanic reaction to the first. The third phase is an intrapsychically oriented depression; external objects have lost significance. The fourth phase is blissful sleep. Manifestations of these stages are demonstrated in Aschenbach's deterioration and death. Apt comparisons are made between symbolism employed in this novella and in Hemingway's Snows of Kilimanjaro, Melville's Daniel Orme, Ibsen's The Master Builder, and other works of Mann (Buddenbrooks, Tonio Kröger). Tarbox supports his thesis with reference to the psychoanalytic literature, relying heavily on Lewin's concept of the oral triad. The article contains many penetrating observations.