How did Hendrik Marsman use free verse and Vitalist ideas in his poetry?

Hendrik Marsman, a prominent figure in Dutch literature between the world wars, utilized free verse as a primary vehicle for his literary expression, debuting with this rhythmic style around 1920. His use of free verse was noted for its aggressive independence and was heavily influenced by the German Expressionists.12

Marsman employed this form to articulate a philosophy he termed "vitalism," which was characterized by an anti-humanist and anti-intellectual rebelliousness. This movement, which he represented, emphasized a raw, energetic engagement with life that stood in stark contrast to the more traditional or reflective literary styles of his contemporaries. His collection Verzen (1923) serves as a key example of how he integrated these vitalist ideas into his poetry, using the freedom of his verse to break away from established conventions and express a defiant, vital spirit.12