The Black Tulip

Brief Overview

The novel "The Black Tulip" by Alexandre Dumas is set in 17th-century Holland. The main character, Cornelius van Baerle, is passionate about growing tulips and dreams of creating a black tulip, for which a great reward is promised. However, his envious neighbor, Isaac Boxtel, learns of his success and orchestrates events to have Cornelius accused of treason. Cornelius ends up in prison, where he meets Rosa, the jailer's daughter. She helps him continue his work on the black tulip. Ultimately, thanks to Rosa's efforts, the black tulip is cultivated, and Cornelius is exonerated. Rosa and Cornelius marry, and their love overcomes all obstacles.