At times these endings are mesmeric, while at others they increase the pace to integrate smoothly with the subsequent chapter. Dumas also uses characterization to create suspense. One good example of this is William of Orange, who makes his initially anonymous appearance in Chapter 3 of the novel. He is described as a pale, thin, and almost creepy person. The reader learns only later that this is William of Orange. After the murders, the reader also learns that William's inner being is quite as uncomely as his physical appearance, when it is revealed that he is behind the murders of the De Witt brothers.

Dumas' addressing the reader directly gives the impression of being taken into the author's confidence, as if secret information is to be revealed. This contributes to the suspense of the overall plot by creating parallel between the reader-author relationship and the lives of the characters.

Romance in the novel is represented by Rosa. Her relationship with Cornelius is initially...

Some elements of Romanticism are also evident in Dumas' description of her as almost supernaturally beautiful and kind. She is a typical Romantic heroine, who plays the role of savior and helper to those in need.
Tulipomania serves as the central image of the novel. It serves first as a contrast, and then as a parallel to the less noble properties of the human spirit. Its first appearance in the novel, in the form of Cornelius van Baerle. His innocent enjoyment of tulips is in direct opposition to the mob mentality at the beginning of the novel. However, his life is soon invaded by jealousy and rivalry in the form of Isaac Boxtel. The rivalry created in this way parallels the initial political scene, where the innocent suffer as a result of evil elements.

Source

Dumas, Alexandre. The Black Tulip. Pdf Ebook retrieved from http://manybooks.net/titles/dumasalpetext97tbtlp10.html