Abstract: Thomas Mann was one of the main representatives of German critical realism literature, and this paper tries to analyse his literary view on the basis of his works. Firstly, Thomas Mann exposes the corruption and hypocrisy of capitalism, and reflects on Schopenhauer's pessimism in his works. However, he always tries to transform extreme pessimism and desperation to optimistic hope for the future. Secondly, he exposes and criticizes the characteristics of capitalist society against beauty and art. He perceives those negative characteristics and thus comes to conclusions akin to Marx's. Thirdly, he uses his literary works to embody his humanitarianism and ideal and reflects on the capitalist ideology. He discusses and interprets Freud's psychoanalysis, Schopenhauer's pessimism and Nietzsche's power will in his literary works, speeches and lectures. In this way, he reflects on and criticizes the capitalist ideology, and displays his humanitarianism.

Key words: Thomas Mann, critical realism literature, literary view