nrc.nl
Michiel de Ruyter: A Novel Based on the Film
Alex van Galen's novel "Michiel de Ruyter" adapts the film of the same name, offering a fictionalized account of the admiral's life, including his family and political conflicts, while incorporating historical details and liberties.
- What are the key historical liberties taken by the author in the novel compared to the historical record?
- The novel condenses 23 years of De Ruyter's life into a shorter timeframe and simplifies his family structure. Specific details are altered, such as the placement of holes in Johan de Witt's letters, as noted by the author, who was also a co-scenarist for the film.
- How does the novel portray the relationship between Michiel de Ruyter and his wife Anna, and how does this portrayal compare to contemporary relationships?
- De Ruyter and Anna's relationship is depicted as friendly and egalitarian, akin to a modern couple, contrasting the historical context. This highlights a significant departure from historical norms and societal expectations of the time.
- What are the broader implications of the novel's portrayal of Prince William of Orange, and how does this contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical figure?
- The novel presents Prince William as a struggling homosexual who remained closeted, offering a unique perspective on his character. This challenges traditional portrayals and provides a glimpse into his personal struggles within the historical constraints of the 17th century, adding complexity to his public persona.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of Michiel de Ruyter's life, interweaving personal anecdotes with historical events. The narrative structure flows chronologically, starting with a description of Cuijk's location and etymology, then moving to the novel's plot, and finally discussing historical inaccuracies and the portrayal of key figures like Johan de Witt and William of Orange. While the focus on the novel might subtly downplay other historical aspects, the inclusion of factual details and discussion of historical inaccuracies mitigates this bias.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and descriptive. However, terms like "half-naked woman" and descriptions of the scene could be considered slightly sensational, potentially influencing reader perception. More neutral alternatives like "partially clothed woman" might reduce this impact. The characterization of William of Orange as a "struggling homosexual" could be viewed as subjective and potentially biased, although it is presented within the context of the novel and 17th-century societal norms.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses mainly on the novel and its portrayal of history, with limited exploration of broader historical context. While the limitations of space might account for this, omitting a more detailed analysis of the historical accuracy beyond the specific examples provided may leave the reader with an incomplete understanding of the historical complexities of the time. Omission of alternative interpretations of historical events is also notable.
Gender Bias
The article includes a description of a partially clothed woman that some might consider unnecessarily detailed, particularly within the context of the novel adaptation. There is no other apparent gender bias, as both male and female characters are discussed without overt stereotyping or unequal treatment. However, the detail regarding the woman's appearance could be considered a minor instance of gender bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the historical context of political conflicts and the role of misinformation in inciting violence, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The description of the brutal murder of the De Witt brothers and the sale of body parts highlights the consequences of political unrest and the importance of justice. The depiction of the political maneuvering and manipulation, including the use of disinformation, is directly relevant to SDG 16.9, which specifically targets reducing all forms of violence and related death rates.