Discuss to what extent do modern ideas about the city inform the portrayal of Amsterdam in the novel? Give illustration(s) from the text.

1. Deborah Moggach’s Tulip Fever is a historical novel mainly set in 17^th century Amsterdam. Present an analysis of the novel. Some suggested topics:

• Research the status and reputation of Amsterdam in the 17^th century and give a concise account of your findings, including sources.
• Explore the portrait of the Dutch 17^th century city she presents in the novel: what significant features or themes are highlighted or emphasized and how? What significant elements are left out (and, if relevant, why)? Give illustrations from the text wherever possible.
• Discuss to what extent do modern ideas about the city inform the portrayal of Amsterdam in the novel? Give illustration(s) from the text.
• Discuss the function of the colour-reproductions that have been added to the book. How do they relate to the story?
• Explore to what extent the novel illustrates Georg Simmel’s characterization of metropolitan life (in ‘The Metropolis and Mental Life’).