Jan Wolkers (1925–2007)

Jan Wolkers could serve as the prototype of the group of post--World War II writers who give the impression of having seized the crushing of Nazi power as an opportunity to attempt to cast off the yoke of oppression in all forms and formats. Their protest took the form of rebellion against any form afficher plus of authority that seemed to restrict their freedom and individuality. In effect they, and more particularly Wolkers, demonstrated against authority in the home (often represented by a supposedly dominant father figure); against the political system (as, for instance, represented by American capitalism and international military involvement); against God and church office-bearers; and finally, against society and social norms in general as these found expression in current views on proper language, morals, and manners. We thus find that Wolkers's main characters challenge all forms of established, prewar concepts as embodied in selected characters, frequently holding them up for ridicule and caricature. By way of contrast, the author portrays a series of persons who appear to be the victims of the corrupt views of modern society, usually social outcasts such as the immortal Uncle Louis in Serpentina's Petticoat (1961) with which Wolkers made his debut and simultaneously established his name. Animals, which almost by definition are also considered innocent, sometimes serve as victims of man's desire for power as well, as in Wolkers's famous Back to Oegstgeest (1965). A unique form of expression of resentment is Wolkers's use of cruelty, as though the writer wishes to vent his anger on anything he can lay his hands on. It is important to note, in this connection, that the negative qualities mentioned above---such as anger, resentment, ridicule, and cruelty---do, in fact, together form the very thin and sometimes transparent shell covering Wolkers's sensitive and vulnerable nature and his religious pursuit of fairness, justice, love, and beauty. In literally demonstrating these commendable qualities, Wolkers is a worthy representative of his generation. (Bowker Author Biography) afficher moins