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| Literary Analysis - Extract 1 | Extract 2 (>link)|

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We will now try to determine to what extent the two excerpts from Eline Vere are typical of naturalist writing.

First extract

Looking at the beginning of the first text, we see that Betsy and Eline shared the same upbringing in the same environment (ener zelfde opvoeding, in een zelfde omgeving). Yet, when they grow up, they seem to have developed different temperaments (twee verschillende temperamenten). As can be expected in a naturalist novel, much attention is given to these factors of upbringing, social environment and heredity (point 3 in Anbeek's list).

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Question 1:

Though both sisters descend from a common gene pool (their parents'), how can their differences in character be ascribed to heredity?

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Couperus describes Eline's character in great detail. In effect the long, second sentence in the excerpt is an inventory of Eline's psychological traits. In the next sentence (number 3), the author concludes that when it all becomes too much for Eline, she pours everything out in a 'single foaming wave' (overvol geworden stortte zich dit dan uit met een enkele bruisende golf).

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Question 2:

Now look at sentence number 2 again and try to find phrases that support Anbeek's argument that the main character in a naturalist novel tends to be of a nervous disposition (point 1 in his list of naturalist characteristics).

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Still in the second sentence of the first excerpt, Couperus refers to Eline's high-strung 'zenuwen' (nerves) that are being 'beroerd' (touched, stirred) and 'geprikkeld' (stimulated).

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Question 3:

Why is the use of these words so relevant, particularly in the context of the naturalists' attempts to write a scientifically objective sort of literature?

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Although this particular extract does not say much about Eline being disillusioned (see point 2 in Anbeek's list), it is possible to find some signs that point in that direction. For instance, when she is disappointed, she withdraws (ontwikkelde zich [een] terughoudendheid) and frets in silence. It is on such occasions that she needs support which her dominant sister is all too happy to provide ([Betsy's] streven naar overheersing).

Let us now consider some stylistic features by focusing once more on sentence number 2. Ton Anbeek's list mentions the naturalist writer's fondness for a vocabulary and sentence structure that give the descriptive parts a rather laboured feel (point 6). You may remember how Couperus's poetic debut (Een lent van vaerzen and Orchideeën) was criticised by reviewers for being too precious and contrived. So how does Eline Vere compare to this?

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Question 4:

Is there any evidence of linguistic 'affectation' in this second sentence (extract 1).

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Click (>link) to go to the literary analysis of the second excerpt.

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