The Black Tulip · Chapter
The Black Tulip Changes Masters explained
Cornelius is devastated when Rosa reveals that the black tulip has been stolen.
What happens
Cornelius is devastated when Rosa reveals that the black tulip has been stolen. He suspects Boxtel (Jacob) and rages in his cell, threatening to break out. Gryphus overhears Rosa's promise to steal his keys and drags her away. Meanwhile, Boxtel escapes with the tulip, carefully transports it to Haarlem, and presents himself as its owner to the Horticultural Society.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Ambition
Boxtel's theft of the black tulip and his journey to Haarlem demonstrate his obsessive ambition to claim the prize and recognition.
Injustice and Persecution
Cornelius, already wrongfully imprisoned, is further victimized by the theft of his tulip and Gryphus's threats of additional punishment.
Love and Devotion
Rosa's willingness to steal her father's keys to free Cornelius shows her deep love and devotion despite the risk.
Characters to notice
- Cornelius van Baerle
Overcome with despair and rage upon learning the tulip is stolen; threatens to break out of prison and kill Gryphus.
- Rosa Gryphus
Distraught and guilt-ridden over the theft; promises to steal her father's keys to free Cornelius, but is caught by Gryphus.
- Gryphus
Intercepts Rosa's promise to take his keys, mocks Cornelius, and threatens to report them to the Governor and Stadtholder.
- Isaac Boxtel
Steals the black tulip, escapes the fortress, and travels to Haarlem to claim credit for the flower.
Key passages
“Some one has taken—stolen it from us.”
Someone has stolen the tulip from us.
Rosa breaks the news of the theft to Cornelius.
“Rosa, Rosa, we have been robbed, it is true, but shall we allow ourselves to be dejected for all that? No, no; the misfortune is great, but it may perhaps be remedied. Rosa, we know the thief!”
Rosa, we have been robbed, but we must not give up. We know who the thief is.
Cornelius tries to rally Rosa despite the loss.
“All is not yet lost, Cornelius. Rely on me, my Cornelius.”
Everything is not lost yet, Cornelius. Trust me.
Rosa's last words before being dragged away, hinting at a plan.