Vormen

poetry by Nijhoff

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July 23, 2026

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Vormen (1924), meaning "Forms," is the second volume of poetry by Dutch poet Martinus Nijhoff. This collection is noted for its demonic elements and a more direct, realistic approach to Christianity, as seen in poems like "The Soldier Who Crucified Jesus". While Nijhoff's first volume, De wandelaar, explored themes of isolation and despair, Vormen continues to grapple with spiritual frustration, though it also hints at a developing engagement with faith. Nijhoff is considered the greatest Dutch poet of his generation, recognized for his original imagery and technical skill.1

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Martinus Nijhoff
…apparent in his second volume, Vormen (1924; “Forms”), which also reveals Nijhoff’s realistic, direct approach to Christianity in, for example, “De soldaat die Jezus kruisigde” (“The Soldier Who Crucified Jesus”).
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…apparent in his second volume, Vormen (1924; “Forms”), which also reveals Nijhoff’s realistic, direct approach to Christianity in, for example, “De soldaat die Jezus kruisigde” (“The Soldier Who Crucified Jesus”).
Read More