Grace Paley
Grace Paley: A Literary and Activist Icon
Full Name and Common Aliases
Grace Paley, born as Grace Goodside, was a celebrated American writer and activist. She was often referred to simply as Grace Paley, a name that became synonymous with her poignant storytelling and passionate activism.
Birth and Death Dates
Grace Paley was born on December 11, 1922, and she passed away on August 22, 2007. Her life spanned a period of significant social and political change, much of which she actively engaged with through her work and activism.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Grace Paley was an American writer, poet, and political activist. Her work primarily encompassed short stories, essays, and poetry, and she was also a dedicated teacher and advocate for social justice.
Early Life and Background
Grace Paley was born in the Bronx, New York City, to Isaac and Manya Ridnyik Goodside, Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. Her parents were deeply involved in socialist politics, which greatly influenced Paley's worldview and later activism. Growing up in a multilingual household, Paley was exposed to Russian, Yiddish, and English, which enriched her linguistic and cultural understanding. She attended Hunter College and later studied with the poet W. H. Auden at the New School for Social Research, where she honed her craft in poetry and storytelling.
Major Accomplishments
Grace Paley's literary career was marked by her distinctive voice and her ability to capture the complexities of everyday life. Her first collection of short stories, "The Little Disturbances of Man," published in 1959, established her as a significant literary figure. This was followed by "Enormous Changes at the Last Minute" in 1974 and "Later the Same Day" in 1985. Her stories often featured strong, independent women and explored themes of family, love, and social justice.
In addition to her writing, Paley was a committed activist. She was involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement, the feminist movement, and various peace and social justice causes. Her activism was not just a backdrop to her writing but an integral part of her identity and work.
Notable Works or Actions
Grace Paley's most notable works include her three collections of short stories, which are celebrated for their wit, compassion, and insight into human relationships. Her stories are often set in New York City and reflect the diverse voices and experiences of its inhabitants. Paley's poetry, collected in volumes such as "Leaning Forward" and "Begin Again: Collected Poems," further showcases her lyrical prowess and commitment to social issues.
Paley's activism was as impactful as her writing. She was a founding member of the Greenwich Village Peace Center and was arrested multiple times for her participation in protests against war and nuclear proliferation. Her dedication to activism earned her the respect and admiration of many, and she was appointed as the first official New York State Author in 1986.
Impact and Legacy
Grace Paley's impact on literature and activism is profound. Her stories are celebrated for their authentic dialogue and their ability to capture the essence of human experience. She is often credited with elevating the short story form and bringing attention to the voices of women and marginalized communities.
As an activist, Paley's legacy is one of courage and commitment. She used her platform to speak out against injustice and to advocate for peace and equality. Her work continues to inspire writers and activists alike, and her influence is evident in the generations of storytellers who have followed in her footsteps.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Grace Paley is widely quoted and remembered for her unique ability to blend storytelling with social commentary. Her quotes often reflect her sharp wit, her deep empathy, and her unwavering commitment to justice. Paley's words resonate with readers because they speak to universal truths about human nature and the complexities of life.
Her legacy as a writer and activist ensures that her voice remains relevant and powerful. Grace Paley's work continues to be studied and celebrated, and her quotes serve as a reminder of the enduring power of literature to effect change and inspire action.
Quotes by Grace Paley
Grace Paley's insights on:
I didn’t intend. The word “intend” is the wrong word for what I do. It’s just that it’s something you do, and you can’t not do. If you want to do it, and you don’t intend to, you do it anyway. The word “intend” is wrong. The word “pressure” is right. It’s like any art form.
The men don’t like their wives so much. They only get married if it’s a good idea.” Faith.
I liked the education. I liked people learning things all around me and I liked going to people’s classes.
Well, by now you must know yourself, honey, whatever you do, life don’t stop. It only sits a minute and dreams a dream.
I know I’ve done good work. I’ve been very serious about my writing, and I’ve done the best that I could. But I don’t feel that I’ve done more than I should have. In fact, I’ve done less than I should have.
I am very interested in people trying to write because I don’t have a big academic background at all.
Paley said of her dreams for her grandchildren: “It would be a world without militarism and racism and greed – and where women don’t have to fight for their place in the world.
People say, “Why do you call your kids up, why do you worry like that?” And I say, “I was raised like that.” My grandmother looked at my father with the same eyes when he was sixty and she was eighty-five.