The Black Tulip · Chapter
XV: The Little Grated Window explained
Cornelius van Baerle meets his new jailer, Gryphus, who threatens to make his life difficult and kill his pigeons.
What happens
Cornelius van Baerle meets his new jailer, Gryphus, who threatens to make his life difficult and kill his pigeons. Rosa, Gryphus's daughter, secretly arranges to visit Cornelius every evening at nine o'clock. She returns his three tulip bulbs and confesses her love, having burned all other suitors' letters. Cornelius kisses the grating, and Rosa flees, forgetting to leave the bulbs.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Devotion
Rosa's devotion to Cornelius is shown through her preservation of the bulbs, her nightly visits, and her confession of love.
Injustice and Persecution
Cornelius is unjustly imprisoned and threatened by Gryphus, reflecting the persecution of the De Witt faction.
Characters to notice
- Cornelius van Baerle
Imprisoned at Loewestein, he receives Rosa's visit and his tulip bulbs back, expressing love and gratitude.
- Rosa Gryphus
Visits Cornelius secretly at night, returns the bulbs, confesses her love, and burns other suitors' letters.
- Gryphus
New jailer at Loewestein, threatens Cornelius with harsh treatment and promises to kill his pigeons.
Key passages
“I have brought back to you your bulbs.”
Rosa returns the tulip bulbs to Cornelius.
Rosa returns the bulbs, showing her care for Cornelius's treasure.
“At nine o'clock this evening.”
Rosa whispers to Cornelius that she will visit him at nine.
Rosa arranges a secret meeting time with Cornelius.
“I shall lead you a sad life of it.”
Gryphus threatens to make Cornelius's imprisonment miserable.
Gryphus promises harsh treatment for Cornelius.