# In Which Van Baerle, Before Leaving Loewestein, Settles Accounts with Gryphus explained — The Black Tulip

> Chapter companion for The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Cornelius van Baerle confronts his jailer Gryphus, who accuses him of hiding Rosa. A violent struggle ensues, and Cornelius disarms Gryphus but is then charged with rebellion. He is led out expecting execution, but instead is taken by Captain van Deken to a carriage, leaving his fate uncertain.

## Themes in this chapter

### Injustice and Persecution

Cornelius is charged with rebellion after defending himself, and the prison regulations are used to justify severe punishment.

### Obsession and Ambition

Cornelius's overriding concern for the black tulip even in the face of death shows his obsessive devotion.

## Character check-ins

### Cornelius van Baerle

Defends himself against Gryphus's attack, is charged with rebellion, and is led away from Loewestein.

### Gryphus

Attacks Cornelius with a knife, is disarmed and beaten, then has the protocol drawn up against Cornelius.

### Rosa Gryphus

Mentioned as missing; Cornelius fears dying without seeing her or learning about the black tulip.

### Van Deken

Captain who arrives to escort Cornelius from his cell, interrupting the protocol.

### Mathias

Referenced as a prisoner executed five years earlier for a lesser offense, used as a warning to Cornelius.

## Key lines

> I want you to restore to me my daughter Rosa.

Gryphus demands that Cornelius return Rosa to him.

_Gryphus accuses Cornelius of hiding Rosa through magic._

> I shall open your heart to see in it the place where you hide my daughter.

Gryphus threatens to cut open Cornelius's chest to find Rosa.

_Gryphus's irrational rage leads him to a literal threat._

> Ah! what did I tell you? ... A lie.

Cornelius reflects that the guard's prediction of twelve hours was false.

_Cornelius is taken sooner than expected, heightening his fear._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_tulip_se/chapters/xxix-in-which-van-baerle-before-leaving-loewestein-settles-accounts-with-gryphus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_tulip_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_tulip_se/chapters