Het generatiedenken van de Tachtigers (19e eeuw) - VLOGBOEK / Literatuurgeschiedenis

Summary

The video delves into the literary movement of the 1880s in the Netherlands, focusing on the influential *Nieuwe Gids* group and its key figures, including Willem Kloos, Herman Gorter, and Lodewijk van Deyssel. The movement sought to innovate Dutch literature by embracing individual expression and challenging traditional norms. Through their works, these writers explored new forms of poetry and prose, pushing boundaries in both style and subject matter. Despite facing criticism, the movement's impact on Dutch literature remained significant, influencing future generations and shaping literary discourse for years to come.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tachtigers (Eighties Movement) in Dutch literature was a reaction against the conservative literary norms of the time, focusing on innovation and individual expression.
• 😀 Willem Kloos was the central figure of the Tachtigers, known for his critical voice and influence on other writers, even though his own work was not considered the most innovative.
• 😀 The movement embraced a break from tradition, particularly in poetry, with an emphasis on sensory descriptions, new word combinations, and neologisms.
• 😀 Lodewijk van Deyssel's novel *A Love* (1887) became controversial for its bold depiction of sexuality, which led to heated debates about morality and artistic expression.
• 😀 Herman Gorter's poem *May* (1889) marked a significant contribution to Dutch poetry, celebrated for its innovative approach and sensory imagery.
• 😀 The Tachtigers used a collective PR strategy, presenting themselves as a unified group but with diverging literary and political interests by the 1890s.
• 😀 The movement saw a mix of genres, with some writers experimenting with both prose and poetry, bridging naturalism from France and modern Dutch literary views.
• 😀 The group's focus on individual emotion and beauty in art led to a sharp distinction between moral judgment and aesthetic appreciation in literary criticism.
• 😀 Albert Verweij’s controversial editing of *A Love* after initial criticism reflected the tensions between artistic expression and societal norms of decency.
• 😀 Despite being a short-lived movement (about 10 years), the Tachtigers left a lasting impact on 20th-century Dutch literature, influencing future generations of writers.
• 😀 Willem Kloos’s personal struggles, including his mental health issues and eventual institutionalization, marked a tragic end to his prominent role in the movement, though his literary legacy remained influential.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the literary movement in the 1880s in the Netherlands?

The main purpose of the 1880s literary movement in the Netherlands, referred to as the '80s, was to renew Dutch literature by breaking away from earlier traditions and embracing more innovative styles, often focusing on naturalism, sensory descriptions, and neologisms. It also aimed to express individual emotions and new perspectives on the world.

Who was the leader of the '80s literary movement, and how did they influence the group?

Willem Kloos was considered the leader of the '80s literary movement. His critical insights and eloquent critiques helped shape the direction of the movement. He provided a voice for young writers and played a key role in establishing the group's ideological framework, though his own work was not necessarily the greatest innovation of the group.

What is the significance of the magazine 'De Nieuwe Gids' in the 1880s Dutch literary movement?

'De Nieuwe Gids' (The New Guide) was a central platform for the '80s literary movement. It served as a publication for the group's works and as a space where new ideas in literature, art, and politics were discussed. It helped to promote innovative works and allowed young writers to engage in critical debates.

Why was Lodewijk van Deyssel’s novel 'A Love' controversial?

Lodewijk van Deyssel’s novel 'A Love' (1887) was controversial due to its explicit sexual content, particularly a scene involving masturbation. Critics labeled it as pornography and immoral, despite its artistic merit. The novel's candid exploration of human sexuality was seen as too provocative for its time.

How did Frederik van Eeden contribute to the literary movement of the 1880s?

Frederik van Eeden was a significant figure in the '80s literary movement, contributing with his critical perspectives on literature. Like van Deyssel, his works were often controversial and challenged the traditional norms of literature, though his focus was more on psychological and philosophical themes.

What role did Herman Gorter play in the renewal of Dutch poetry?

Herman Gorter played a crucial role in the renewal of Dutch poetry through his long poem 'May' (1889), which introduced sensory descriptions, neologisms, and new forms of expression. His work symbolized a shift toward modernism, influencing future generations of Dutch poets.

What was the impact of Gorter’s collection 'Unity' on the 1880s literary scene?

Gorter’s collection 'Unity' marked a significant point in the 1880s literary scene, as it further cemented his status as a leading poet. His use of innovative language and imagery inspired other writers and poets in the movement, helping to solidify the aesthetic direction of the time.

Why did the unity of the '80s movement begin to fade?

The unity of the '80s movement began to fade as the interests of its members diverged. As many writers grew older, their individual views on literature and art became more varied, leading to a lack of cohesion in the movement. The group also began to fracture as political and artistic perspectives differed.

What challenges did female writers face in the '80s literary movement?

Female writers faced limited representation in the '80s literary movement. Hélène Zwart was one of the few women to be published in 'De Nieuwe Gids,' contributing some sonnets. Despite the movement's progressive nature, women struggled to find a significant voice within the largely male-dominated group.

What happened to Willem Kloos later in life, and how did his mental health affect his legacy?

Willem Kloos experienced significant personal struggles later in life, including mental health issues, alcoholism, and multiple suicide attempts. He eventually spent time in a psychiatric institution. Despite these challenges, his earlier contributions to the literary movement left a lasting impact, and his work continued to be influential in Dutch literature.