review
This writer is widely acclaimed and popular in America. In addition to stories and novels, he has also written film scripts such as Superman 3 and ET, the Extra Terrestial. In this article the well-known collection of short stories ?? Elephant bangs Train ?? in other words ?? Elephant rams Train ?? discussed. This collection contains some short stories. All kinds of extremely funny events are described that still involve a lot of tragedy.
Content:
- Rodenko
- Debut
- Short biography William Kotzwinkle
- Elephant rams Train
- Sense of time
- Neologisms
Rodenko
This book has been translated by Paul Rodenko (1920-1976), a well-known Dutch writer and poet. The translation is very beautiful. Paul Rodenko is known for his love stories. He has several titles to his name. Many writers and poets do translations.
Debut
This collection of short stories from 1971 is the debut of the American writer. Kotzwinkle is a writer who can tell very visually. He knows how to conjure up fantastic performances for the mind’s eye with the help of inventive and creative use of words. Kotzwinkle can get into the skin of people, animals and even all kinds of objects and show the world from a completely different side. His stories are written cinematic. Every now and then a story constantly changes perspective, forcing you to continuously look at the story in two ways. Kotzwinkle offers us a glimpse into the world of thoughts of animals, autistic people, children, magicians and lovers. Its own logic convinces the reader and drags the reader into acceptance of a fantastic, fairytale reality.
Short biography William Kotzwinkle
Kotzwinkle was born in the US in 1943. He writes novels, stories, children’s books and screenplays. His best-known work is writing the book about ET after the release of the film. Also Dr. Rat, his debut with which he won literary prizes, is well known. His best-known screenplay is A nightmare on 4 Elm Street.
Elephant rams Train
The title story is based on a curious newspaper report of the same caliber as Man bijt Hond. In Kenya, near the capital Nairobi, an elephant attacked a train in 1969. The train derailed, which in itself is a great example of an elephant. Now it is the case that everywhere in the world where elephants can come into contact with trains. It is a rarity when this collision actually takes place. Kotzwinkle explains what may have preceded the elephant’s exceptional attack on the train. Of course love was involved. In addition, deep emotions such as loss of image, shame, incomprehension and remorse played an important role. The offender elephant is also a victim of the circumstances.
Sense of time
A recurring theme in this collection is the loss of sense of time. People sometimes look at an object for 10,000 years. People suddenly remember something from another life. Another theme is the undercurrent of thoughts and events during the story. Kotzwinkle allows events to bubble up as if they were logical inferences from the apparently chaotic imagery. Things that are normally possible do not happen and impossibilities take place with great regularity.
Neologisms
This book is an ideal addition to a student’s English literature list or simply for relaxation for everyone. Because they are short stories of sometimes a few pages, you can easily read them in between. Every sentence that Kotzwinkle writes is beautifully, harmoniously and sharply written. He has a pleasant irony, throwing original thoughts and neologisms without getting exaggerated in his style. Rodenko has been able to maintain his style in Dutch very well.