Bibliography: p. 223-231. ; This study is an investigation of the two themes, vitalism and mortalism, in the first four anthologies of Hendrik Marsman. In the Introduction a brief explanation of the terms vitalism and mortalism is given. In Chapter 1 poems of the anthology Verzen are discussed. The speaker expresses his feeling for vitalism in cosmic terms and strives for the ultimate individuality. The poems about the cities are in the style of Expressionism. In Chapter 2 the poems of the anthology Paradise Regained are discussed. The speaker strives for a perfect relationship with his lover in order to protect him from death. This union appears to be ineffective against the powers of the night, darkness and death. In Chapter 3 the poems of the anthology Witte Vrouwen are discussed. The art of poetry is used in shielding against the attack from the forces of death in the funereal poems of this anthology. In Chapter 4 where the poems of the anthology Porta Nigra are discussed, a revival of vitalism occurs, but now in earthly terms. Death is then also seen as a portal to a new life. The study is concluded with the Summary where the belief that Marsman can no longer be seen as the poet who concerns himself with vitalism only, but that mortalism as a theme is more prominent in the work of Marsman, is expressed.