Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Collected Works of Billy the Kid by Michael Ondaatje

Greetings, dear reader. Allow me, an esteemed educator of literature, to retell the intricate and compelling story of "The Collected Works of Billy the Kid" by Michael Ondaatje. This literary masterpiece is a fascinating exploration of the life and times of the infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid. It presents a unique perspective on his character and the events that shaped his legacy.

The book is divided into several parts, each of which delves into a different aspect of Billy's life. The first part, $titled "The Englishman," sets the stage for the rest of the work. Here, we are introduced to a mysterious Englishman who is seeking Billy in order to write a book about him. The Englishman's arrival in New Mexico sets off a chain of events that leads to his eventual meeting with Billy himself.

The second part of the book, $titled "The Kid," focuses on Billy's early years and the events that led him down the path of outlawry. We learn about his troubled childhood and his experiences with violence and crime. This section also introduces us to some of the key players in Billy's life, such as his friend Tom O'Folliard and his eventual nemesis, Sheriff Pat Garrett.

Part three, "The Women," explores the role that women played in Billy's life. We meet several important characters in this section, including Billy's mother, his first love, and a prostitute named Angela who becomes one of his closest companions. Through these women, we gain a deeper understanding of Billy's character and the way he interacted with those around him.

In part four, "The Capture," we witness the events that led to Billy's eventual capture and imprisonment. This section is filled with tension and suspense, as Billy's enemies close in on him and he is forced to make some difficult decisions. We also see the beginnings of the legend that would surround him, as stories of his daring escapes and heroic feats begin to spread.

Finally, the fifth and final part of the book, "The Death of Billy the Kid," tells a tragic story of Billy's final days. We see him on the run from the law, fighting for his life and his freedom. Alongside Billy, we witness the betrayal that would eventually lead to his death at the hands of Pat Garrett. This section is both heartbreaking and thrilling, as we watch Billy's story come to its tragic end.

Ondaatje's masterful prose and storytelling bring Billy the Kid to life in a way that few other works of literature have managed to do. The complex and nuanced portrait of this legendary figure that emerges from the pages of the book is truly remarkable.

Overall, "The Collected Works of Billy the Kid" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the American West, or in the power of literature to bring the past to life. It is a work that is both entertaining and enlightening, and it will leave the reader with a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating figures in American history.