Patricia Highsmith
Full Name and Common Aliases
Patricia Highsmith, born Mary Patricia Plangman, is a name synonymous with psychological thrillers and suspenseful narratives. Often referred to simply as Patricia Highsmith, she occasionally used the pseudonym Claire Morgan for some of her works. Her ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature has left an indelible mark on the literary world.
Birth and Death Dates
Patricia Highsmith was born on January 19, 1921, in Fort Worth, Texas, and passed away on February 4, 1995, in Locarno, Switzerland. Her life spanned a period of significant cultural and social change, which is often reflected in her writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Highsmith was an American novelist and short story writer, renowned for her contributions to the crime and psychological thriller genres. Her works have been celebrated for their intricate plots and complex characters, earning her a place among the most respected authors of her time.
Early Life and Background
Patricia Highsmith's early life was marked by complexity and contradiction. Born to artists, her parents divorced before she was born, and she was raised by her maternal grandmother in New York City. Highsmith's relationship with her mother was tumultuous, a theme that would later permeate her writing. She attended Barnard College, where she studied English literature and developed a keen interest in the psychological underpinnings of human behavior. This academic background laid the foundation for her future career as a writer who would explore the intricacies of the human psyche.
Major Accomplishments
Highsmith's career was distinguished by numerous accomplishments, most notably her ability to craft suspenseful narratives that captivated readers worldwide. Her debut novel, "Strangers on a Train" (1950), was an immediate success and was adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock, further cementing her reputation as a master of suspense. Highsmith's creation of the character Tom Ripley in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1955) marked a significant milestone in her career, as the novel's success led to a series of sequels and adaptations, including a critically acclaimed film starring Matt Damon.
Notable Works or Actions
Patricia Highsmith's bibliography is extensive, with over 20 novels and numerous short stories to her name. Her most notable works include "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "Strangers on a Train," "The Price of Salt" (published under the pseudonym Claire Morgan), and "Ripley Under Ground." "The Price of Salt," later republished as "Carol," is particularly significant for its groundbreaking portrayal of a same-sex relationship with a hopeful ending, a rarity at the time of its publication. Highsmith's ability to weave complex narratives with morally ambiguous characters has made her works enduringly popular.
Impact and Legacy
Patricia Highsmith's impact on literature is profound. Her exploration of themes such as identity, morality, and the duality of human nature has influenced countless writers and filmmakers. Highsmith's work is characterized by its psychological depth and its ability to challenge readers' perceptions of right and wrong. Her legacy is evident in the continued popularity of her novels and their adaptations, as well as in the works of contemporary authors who draw inspiration from her unique style.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Patricia Highsmith is widely quoted and remembered for her incisive exploration of the human condition. Her ability to create suspenseful, thought-provoking narratives has left a lasting impression on readers and critics alike. Highsmith's quotes often reflect her keen understanding of human psychology and her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Her work continues to resonate with audiences, offering insights into the complexities of human behavior and the often-blurred lines between good and evil. Highsmith's enduring influence on literature and film ensures that her voice remains a vital part of cultural discourse.
Quotes by Patricia Highsmith
Patricia Highsmith's insights on:
I was in New York. Hitchcock was in California. He rang me to make a report on his progress and said, I'm having trouble. I've just sacked my second screenwriter.
That wasn't a bad price for a first book. My agent upped it as much as possible. I was 27 and had nothing behind me. I was working like a fool to earn a living and pay for my apartment.
Carol looked at her, as if really seeing her for the first time that evening, and under her eyes that went from her face to her hands in her lap, Therese felt like a puppy Carol had bought at a roadside kennel, that Carol had just remembered was riding beside her.
I was in New York. Hitchcock was in California. He rang me to make a report on his progress and said, I’m having trouble. I’ve just sacked my second screenwriter.
Therese could not think of a single question that would be proper to ask, because all her questions were so enormous.
It is then good to remember that artists have existed and persisted, like the snail and coelacanth and other changing forms of organic life since long before governments were dreamed of.
I have Graham Greene’s telephone number, but I wouldn’t dream of using it. I don’t seek out writers because we all want to be alone.
It was the seventh or eighth floor, she couldn’t remember which. A streetcar crawled past the front of the hotel, and people on the sidewalk moved in every direction, with legs on either side of them, and it crossed her mind to jump.