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Document Details : Title: Elsschot en de Forumianen Subtitle: Aspecten van de kritische receptie van zijn proza (1933-1939) Author(s): RYMENANTS, Koen Journal: Spiegel der Letteren Volume: 42 Issue: 1 Date: 2000 Pages: 19-48 DOI: 10.2143/SDL.42.1.985 Abstract : Willem Elsschot’s prose works from the Thirties (Kaas, Tsjip, Pensioen and Het been) were published to great critical acclaim, notably from the editors of Forum (1932-1935): Menno ter Braak, E. du Perron, Maurice Roelants, V.E. van Vriesland, Simon Vestdijk, Marnix Gijsen, Gerard Walschap and Raymond Herreman. Their reviews form a major contribution to the image of Elsschot as an exceptionally innovative author, challenging Flemish regionalist writing and traditional Dutch realism by a uniquely personal combination of irony and sensitivity. Closer analysis shows, however, that this ‘Forumesque’ stance on Elsschot is not always as clearcut as it may seem. Furthermore, it is but one of several attitudes and evaluations to be found in Thirties criticism. This should be taken into account by Elsschot scholars and literary historiographers alike, in order to produce an accurate picture of the author and his works in their historical context. |
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