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Betje Wolff: A Free Spirit

A new biography explores the life of Betje Wolff, a prominent 18th-century Dutch writer, revealing her early struggles and the impact on her literary career.

Read original article in Dutch

Dutch

Netherlands

NetherlandsHistoryLiteratureWomenBiography18Th Century

Church In VlissingenStaatse Leger

Betje WolffMatthijs GargonAagje DekenAdriaan WolffMarita Mathijsen

What is the broader significance of Betje Wolff's life story?: The biography emphasizes the challenges faced by women in 18th-century society and the remarkable strength and resilience of Betje Wolff in pursuing her intellectual passions and literary career.
Describe Betje Wolff's life after her youth and its impact on her career?: Betje Wolff's later life involved a marriage to Adriaan Wolff, a successful writing career with Aagje Deken, and significant contributions to Dutch literature, including the renowned novel "Historie van mejuffrouw Sara Burgerhart."
How did Betje Wolff's experiences influence her later writings and views?: The book highlights Betje Wolff's fierce independence and criticism of orthodox religious views, stemming from her experiences with church censure and societal judgment following her elopement.
What was the significant event that shaped Betje Wolff's life in her youth?: Betje Wolff, born Bekker, eloped with Matthijs Gargon at age seventeen. This event, along with subsequent church censure, deeply impacted her life and shaped her later writings.
What new information does Marita Mathijsen's biography reveal about Betje Wolff?: Marita Mathijsen's biography, "Een vrije geest," reveals new details about Betje Wolff's life, including the length of her elopement and the severe social consequences she faced.

Jan 21, 13:09

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Jan 5, 16:09

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Dec 20, 01:09

Dutch WWII Collaboration Archive Access Restricted, Online Release Postponed

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Dec 6, 16:10

Majalla's Mantel: Ritual, Remembrance, and Leiden's Slavery Legacy

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