The Black Tulip · Chapter
A Member of the Horticultural Society explained
Rosa, frantic with joy and fear over the recovery of the black tulip, rushes to the White Swan but hesitates, fearing she may have alerted the thief.
What happens
Rosa, frantic with joy and fear over the recovery of the black tulip, rushes to the White Swan but hesitates, fearing she may have alerted the thief. She returns to President van Systens to plead her case, but is interrupted by the arrival of William of Orange, who has come to see the famous tulip. The Prince, learning of the dispute, decides to hear the case himself and questions Rosa about her claim.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice and Persecution
Rosa fears that the tulip, grown by the wrongly imprisoned Cornelius, will be unjustly awarded to Boxtel, the thief.
Obsession and Ambition
The black tulip drives the actions of all characters: Rosa's desperate plea, van Systens's pride in his report, and the Prince's personal visit.
Characters to notice
- Rosa Gryphus
Desperate to reclaim the black tulip and clear Cornelius's name, she returns to van Systens to plead her case, despite his impatience.
- President van Systens
Frustrated by Rosa's interruption of his report, but eventually moved by her sincerity; he is interrupted by the arrival of the Prince.
- William of Orange
Visits van Systens incognito to see the black tulip; he takes an interest in Rosa's claim and decides to hear the case himself.
- Isaac Boxtel
Mentioned as the alleged owner of the tulip; an officer is sent to fetch him and his tulip.
- Cornelius van Baerle
Referenced by Rosa as the prisoner who grew the tulip and is now starving due to its loss.
Key passages
“Good Heaven! I have made a grievous blunder; it may be I have ruined Cornelius, the tulip, and myself.”
Rosa realizes she may have acted rashly and endangered Cornelius, the tulip, and herself.
Rosa's moment of doubt and self-criticism as she hesitates before confronting Boxtel.
“I am a true Hollander, I am fond of the water, of beer, and of flowers, sometimes even of that cheese the flavour of which seems so grateful to the French; the flower which I prefer to all others is, of course, the tulip.”
William of Orange declares his love for simple Dutch pleasures, especially the tulip.
The Prince's self-introduction, emphasizing his national pride and personal interest in the tulip.
“I have found my King Solomon.”
Van Systens sees the Prince as a wise judge for the tulip dispute.
Van Systens's relief at having the Prince adjudicate the case.