F. Bordewijk’s ‘Character’: A Dutch Literary Classic

Quick Answer

• Character by F. Bordewijk is a seminal Dutch novel celebrated for its stark depiction of provincial life and its incisive exploration of societal decay.
• This work is best suited for readers who appreciate dense, atmospheric prose and unflinching social commentary, particularly those with an interest in early 20th-century European literature.
• Readers seeking fast-paced narratives or lighthearted themes may find the novel demanding and should approach it with prior awareness of its intensity.

Who This Is For

• Individuals interested in Dutch literature and its canonical works, offering insight into a significant piece of early 20th-century European fiction.
• Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives that delve into the psychological impact of environment and societal pressures, presented with a distinctive, almost brutal, realism.

What to Check First

• Authorial Context: F. Bordewijk wrote during a period of significant social and political upheaval in Europe. Understanding this backdrop can illuminate the novel’s themes of decay and disillusionment.
• Literary Style: Bordewijk’s prose is often described as ‘hard’ and ‘laconic.’ Familiarizing yourself with this direct and unadorned style beforehand can prepare you for its unique rhythm and intensity.
• Setting: The novel is set in the Dutch province of South Holland. The specific geography and its provincial atmosphere are integral to the narrative’s oppressive mood and thematic resonance.
• Thematic Focus: Be prepared for themes of ambition, social stagnation, and the corrosive effects of environment. The novel does not offer easy answers or conventional resolutions.

For those interested in diving into this seminal Dutch novel, the edition of ‘Character by F. Bordewijk’ is highly recommended for its faithful representation of the original text.

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• 09/29/2021 (Publication Date) - Grey Valor Publishing (Publisher)

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Step-by-Step Plan for Approaching Character by F. Bordewijk

1. Initiate with the Opening Chapters: Begin reading from the novel’s outset.

• Action: Read the initial chapters carefully, paying close attention to the introduction of the Dreverhaven family and their immediate surroundings.
• What to Look For: Observe the immediate establishment of the novel’s grim atmosphere and the characters’ strained relationships. Note the descriptive language used to depict the town and its inhabitants.
• Mistake to Avoid: Do not skim the initial descriptions; they are crucial for establishing the novel’s oppressive tone and the psychological landscape of the characters.

2. Analyze Character Dynamics and Motivations: Focus on the core relationships and internal drives.

• Action: Identify the primary characters and map their interactions, particularly the complex relationships within the family unit.
• What to Look For: Note the power dynamics, the unspoken tensions, and the ways in which characters influence or fail to influence each other. Pay attention to how characters are defined by their actions and their environments.
• Mistake to Avoid: Do not assume characters will behave in predictable ways; Bordewijk often presents complex, sometimes morally ambiguous motivations that defy simple categorization.

3. Engage with Bordewijk’s Distinctive Prose: Immerse yourself in the writing style.

• Action: Read passages aloud to better appreciate the rhythm and cadence of Bordewijk’s sentences and to discern the emotional weight of his word choices.
• What to Look For: Notice the precise, often stark, vocabulary and the deliberate construction of sentences. Observe how the language itself contributes to the novel’s bleakness and intensity, creating a palpable sense of atmosphere.
• Mistake to Avoid: Do not expect lyrical or flowery language; Bordewijk’s strength lies in his direct, unadorned style, which can be mistaken for simplicity if not read with careful attention to its subtext.

4. Identify and Track Thematic Undercurrents: Look for recurring ideas and motifs.

• Action: As you read, jot down recurring themes such as decay, ambition, social stagnation, the weight of the past, and the struggle against environmental determinism.
• What to Look For: Observe how these themes are woven into the plot and character development. Consider the societal commentary Bordewijk is offering through these recurring motifs and their impact on the characters’ lives.
• Mistake to Avoid: Avoid focusing solely on the plot mechanics; the novel’s enduring impact lies significantly in its thematic depth and the oppressive atmosphere it cultivates.

5. Understand the Provincial Setting’s Crucial Role: Recognize its active influence on the narrative.

• Action: Pay close attention to descriptions of the town of Dreverhaven and its surrounding provincial landscape.
• What to Look For: Recognize how the physical environment mirrors the characters’ internal states and the societal conditions. The provincial setting is not merely a backdrop but an active, often oppressive, force shaping the characters’ destinies.
• Mistake to Avoid: Do not treat the setting as incidental or merely descriptive. Its oppressive nature is a key element in the characters’ struggles and the novel’s overall thematic impact.

6. Reflect on the Novel’s Conclusion: Process the ending thoughtfully.

• Action: After finishing, take time to reflect on the resolution of the plot and the fates of the characters. Consider the lasting impression of their circumstances.
• What to Look For: Consider whether the ending offers any sense of closure or catharsis, or if it reinforces the novel’s themes of inescapable fate and societal decay. Bordewijk’s conclusions are often challenging and thought-provoking.
• Mistake to Avoid: Do not look for a conventionally happy or morally unambiguous ending. The novel’s power lies in its complex portrayal of human experience within its specific social and environmental constraints.

Understanding Character by F. Bordewijk’s Impact

The Stark Realism of Provincial Life in Character by F. Bordewijk

Character by F. Bordewijk is widely recognized for its unflinching portrayal of life in the Dutch provinces. Unlike more romanticized depictions of rural or small-town existence, Bordewijk presents a world characterized by stagnation, moral compromise, and a palpable sense of decay. The novel’s primary strength lies in its ability to make this environment feel suffocatingly real, impacting the characters’ lives with a deterministic force.

For instance, the Dreverhaven family’s existence is intrinsically linked to the grim, waterlogged landscape and the insular community they inhabit. The descriptions of their cramped living conditions and the pervasive dampness serve as a constant reminder of their limited prospects and the inescapable nature of their circumstances. This atmospheric density, achieved through precise and unadorned prose, is a hallmark of Bordewijk’s style and contributes significantly to the novel’s lasting impression. Exploring ‘Character’ by F. Bordewijk reveals these intricate connections between setting and psyche.

The Counterintuitive Appeal: Embracing the Bleakness

A common assumption about literature is that engaging narratives must offer hope or a clear moral compass. Character by F. Bordewijk challenges this notion directly. Its appeal does not stem from uplifting themes or easily identifiable heroes, but from its rigorous, almost clinical, examination of human frailty within a decaying social structure. The novel compels readers not by offering solace, but by confronting them with the stark realities of ambition thwarted, familial dysfunction, and the corrosive effects of environment.

This counterintuitive strength means that readers who approach Character by F. Bordewijk expecting typical narrative satisfaction may be initially disoriented. However, for those willing to engage with its bleakness, the novel offers a profound and memorable experience. It demonstrates that literature can be powerful precisely when it refuses to shy away from the darker aspects of existence, providing a unique lens through which to view human behavior. This deliberate avoidance of sentimentality is a key differentiator and a significant part of its literary merit.

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Common Mistakes When Reading Character

• Mistaking Starkness for Simplicity: Bordewijk’s prose is direct and unadorned, which can be deceptively simple.
• Why it Matters: This can lead readers to overlook the intricate psychological depth and thematic complexity woven into the narrative.
• Fix: Read with attention to the subtext and the deliberate word choices. Consider the emotional weight behind seemingly simple descriptions to uncover deeper meanings.

• Expecting Traditional Character Arcs: Characters in Character often remain trapped by their circumstances and exhibit limited personal growth.
• Why it Matters: Readers might become frustrated by a lack of clear personal transformation or conventional redemption, misinterpreting it as a narrative flaw.
• Fix: Understand that the novel focuses on the impact of environment and societal forces on individuals, rather than solely on individual agency and transformation. Appreciate the portrayal of their struggles within these constraints.

• Underestimating the Setting’s Role: The provincial Dutch setting of Dreverhaven is more than a mere backdrop; it is an active force.
• Why it Matters: Overlooking the oppressive atmosphere and geographical details can diminish the reader’s understanding of the characters’ motivations, limitations, and the novel’s thematic resonance.
• Fix: Actively engage with descriptions of Dreverhaven and its surroundings. Recognize them as integral to the novel’s mood, character development, and thematic exploration of environmental determinism.

• Seeking Immediate Narrative Gratification: The novel’s impact is cumulative and requires sustained attention to develop.
• Why it Matters: Impatience can lead to a superficial reading, causing readers to miss the novel’s profound psychological and social observations that unfold gradually.
• Fix: Allow the atmosphere and character dynamics to develop slowly. Embrace the novel’s immersive quality and its deliberate pacing, which are essential to its overall effect.

Expert Tips for Reading Character by F. Bordewijk

• Tip 1: Focus on Atmosphere as Character: Treat the oppressive provincial setting of Dreverhaven as a character in itself, actively shaping events and individuals.
• Actionable Step: Note down every description of the landscape, weather, and living conditions. Consider how these elements directly influence the characters’ moods and decisions.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Dismissing these descriptions as mere background detail, thus missing the novel’s core argument about environmental determinism.

• Tip 2: Embrace Ambiguity in Character Motivation: Bordewijk’s characters are rarely straightforward. Their actions often stem from complex, sometimes contradictory, internal states.
• Actionable Step: When a character acts in a way that seems illogical or unexpected, pause and consider potential underlying pressures—societal, familial, or psychological—that might be driving them.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Judging characters based on conventional morality or expecting clear, easily discernible motivations, which can lead to frustration with their complexity.

• Tip 3: Appreciate the Laconic Style for its Subtext: Bordewijk’s precise, unadorned language is a tool for conveying deep psychological and social realities.
• Actionable Step: Pay close attention to seemingly small details or understated observations. Often, the most significant insights are conveyed through what is not explicitly stated but implied by the directness of the prose.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Skimming over descriptive passages or assuming the prose lacks depth simply because it is not ornate or overtly emotional.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is Character by F. Bordewijk a difficult book to read?

A: Character can be challenging due to its dense, laconic prose, bleak themes, and unflinching realism. It requires patient and attentive reading rather than a quick engagement with plot alone.

• Q: What are the main themes explored in the novel?

A: Key themes include societal decay, provincial stagnation, ambition, familial dysfunction, the oppressive influence of environment on individual lives, and the struggle against fate.

• Q: How does the setting of Dreverhaven contribute to the novel?

A: The provincial setting of Dreverhaven is crucial. Its grim, insular atmosphere mirrors the internal states of the characters and serves as a force that limits their opportunities and shapes their destinies, acting as a thematic element in itself.

• Q: Is Character by F. Bordewijk considered a classic in Dutch literature?

A: Yes, Character is widely regarded as a significant and influential work in Dutch literature, often cited for its stylistic innovation, powerful social commentary, and its contribution to the development of modern Dutch prose.

• Q: What makes Bordewijk’s prose style unique?

A: Bordewijk’s style is characterized by its precision, conciseness, and directness, often described as ‘hard’ or ‘laconic.’ It avoids sentimentality and focuses on sharp observation, creating a stark and powerful literary effect.

• Q: Should I read other works by F. Bordewijk before Character?

A: While not strictly necessary, reading other works like Blockah or Knorrende Beesten can provide a broader understanding of Bordewijk’s thematic preoccupations and stylistic evolution, enriching the experience of reading Character.

• Q: How does Character compare to other European novels of social decay from the same period?

A: Compared to works like those by Knut Hamsun or earlier naturalists, Bordewijk’s Character often presents a more focused, almost claustrophobic, examination of provincial life. Its starkness and lack of overt sentimentality distinguish it, offering a more unvarnished perspective on societal decline.

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