Die Handlung spielt in einem Sanatorium, das von Manns Besuch im selben Luxushotel in Davos (dem Hotel Schatzalp) inspiriert war, in dem heute die Galadiners des Weltwirtschaftsforums stattfinden.
His story unfolds in a sanatorium that was inspired by one he had visited in Davos, the same mountaintop site (the Schatzalp Hotel) where WEF-related galas are now held.