Vaders en dochters. Molukse historie in de Nederlandse literatuur van de negentiende eeuw en haar weerklank in Indonesië

Abstract

At the end of the eighteenth century the Enlightenment brought forth new ideas on colonial relations and colonial policies. How did these ideas manifest themselves in early nineteenth-century literary fiction?

Vaders en dochters (Fathers and daughters) focusses on three narratives about dramatic events in Moluccan history: a narrative poem by Jan Fredrik Helmers (1812), a short story by Maurits Ver Huell (1837) and a historical novel by Willem Ritter (1844). In all three the main characters are a father and a daughter. These narratives are extensely researched and analyzed. By taking in account more recent historical and antropological findings, an attempt is made to trace the emergence, rise and downfall of Enlightenment idealism in nineteenth-century historical romance.

The stories of Helmers, Ver Huell and Ritter inspired other nineteenth century narratives, both literary and historical. In time some parts were integrated into Bandanese and Ambonese local histories, while the female character of Ver Huells story nowadays is considered a national heroine of Indonesia. In conclusion a postcolonial novel by Y.B. Mangunwijaya, likewise about a father and daughter in the turmoil of Moluccan history, is discussed to highlight the merits and deficiencies of Dutch colonial fiction.