'Heilige Weten' Summary

'Heilige Weten' takes place ten years after the events of 'Zielenschemering', the third book in Couperus's epic series. Addy, now a doctor and married to Mathilde, resides in the grand, somewhat melancholic family villa in Driebergen. This inheritance brings him into close proximity with numerous relatives, including his parents and the children of Constance's deceased brother. Addy becomes the central figure in the family, burdened with the responsibility of guiding and supporting those around him. However, in his selfless devotion to others, Addy neglects his own needs and desires. The novel examines the inner turmoil of a man torn between his familial obligations and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Couperus masterfully portrays the intricacies of Addy's psyche, his conflicted emotions, and his struggle to find a path that balances his personal aspirations with the weight of his family legacy. Through Addy's journey, 'Heilige Weten' offers a nuanced and complex portrait of Dutch society in the early 20th century, exploring themes of societal expectations, moral choices, and the ever-present conflict between individual desires and familial bonds.