De zegelring

Title: "De Zegelring" (The Signet Ring) by Willem Frederik Hermans

Plot Summary: "De Zegelring" is a short story by Willem Frederik Hermans, published in 1984. The narrative revolves around the Fraeylema family and their cursed signet ring. Here is a brief summary of the plot:

• Initial Setting: The story begins with the death of Fraeylema due to a brain hemorrhage. Jasper, Fraeylema's son, takes over his father's job and eventually marries the daughter of the local koster. They have a son named Osbert Dajo Mellom Wittekind, commonly referred to as Witte.

• The Signet Ring: Jasper finds a dead German soldier with a signet ring bearing the Fraeylema family crest. He steals the ring by cutting off the soldier's finger with a knife. Years later, on his deathbed, Jasper gives the ring to Witte, telling him it is the family crest. Witte wears the ring to appear more noble and to pretend he is connected to the old Fraeylema family, despite there being no evidence to support this claim.

• Tragic Events: Witte becomes involved in an auto accident that results in the amputation of his hand. In the hospital, a nun recognizes the ring as the family crest of her father, who was murdered by the Germans. The ring is then seen as a harbinger of bad luck and is eventually stored in the linen closet of the nun's mother.

• Legacy of the Ring: The story concludes with Witte's death, and the tale of the ring is later shared by the nun with a journalist, who publishes it. The ring symbolizes the tragic and cursed legacy of the Fraeylema family.

Key Themes:

1. Cursed Legacy: The signet ring serves as a symbol of the family's cursed legacy, bringing misfortune to each generation.
2. Identity and Pretence: The story explores themes of identity and pretence, as characters like Witte try to elevate their status by claiming a false heritage.
3. War and Trauma: The narrative touches on the impact of war and trauma on individuals and families, reflecting Hermans' experiences during World War II.
4. Existentialism and Pessimism: The story aligns with Hermans' existentialist and pessimistic worldview, where characters are often victims of chance and misunderstanding, and where concepts like freedom and responsibility are meaningless in the face of human existence.

Critical Reception:

• Literary Significance: "De Zegelring" is considered a significant work in Dutch literature, showcasing Hermans' unique style and thematic depth.
• Existentialist Themes: Critics have noted that the story exemplifies Hermans' existentialist themes, where characters are isolated and unable to achieve reliable knowledge or meaningful connections.
• Symbolism of the Ring: The ring is seen as a powerful symbol that encapsulates the tragic fate of the Fraeylema family, reflecting the broader themes of fate and destiny in Hermans' works.

Overall, "De Zegelring" is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that delves into the complexities of human identity, family legacy, and the enduring impact of historical trauma.