The Infant Prodigy by Thomas Mann is a story of Bibi, a young performing artist who plays the piano for an audience of ridiculers. The story gives the reader a look at the art of music and the thoughts that stem from the audience as they observe the adolescent performer. It has been told through the omniscient point of view to paint a complete picture of Bibi, his audience and the relationship between an artist and his/her contiguous culture.
             As the story progresses, many different pictures of Bibi have been shown to the reader. The first images portray Bibi as an extraordinary kid full of superb talent. People in the audience believe that Bibi would never fit into society because he is an artist even though they made positive comments on his first song. An elderly man's description of him was his gift was a gift from God. A near by businessman said that "...it adds something cheerful to life...really he does not play so badly"(1044).
             During the performance, the young performer was having the same thoughts and ideas as the viewers. He knew he was performing to get a reaction from them because they knew nothing when it comes to music and the aptitude involved. Though being ridiculed by the audience, there were those who felt he was doing an excellent job. An officer looked at him from an occupational standpoint. "Yes, you are something and I am something, each in his own way" (1045). A young girl in the chairs congratulated Bibi on the way he expressed his feelings for his work, as the way any artist should feel.
             One can learn a great deal about the concepts of life and society from this story. It does a wonderful job at showing the significance of an artist and his/her work. With the Infant Prodigy told in omniscient point of view, the reader can fully understand the thoughts and ideas that make the story complete.
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