AJ
Alice James
39quotes
Alice James
A Life of Intellectual Curiosity and Literary Talent
Full Name and Common Aliases
Alice Kachelmeier James was a member of the renowned James family, known for their literary contributions to American culture. She is often referred to as Alice James, with occasional mentions of her full name.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 22, 1848, in Boston, Massachusetts, Alice passed away on December 5, 1892, at the age of 44.
Nationality and Profession(s)
As a member of an influential American family, Alice's nationality was American. Her professions varied throughout her life, including writer, poet, and educator.
Early Life and Background
Alice James grew up in a household where intellectual pursuits were highly valued. She was the younger sister of William James (the philosopher) and Henry James (the novelist). Their father, Robert James, was a merchant, and their mother, Mary Anne Walcott James, managed the family's household. Alice suffered from chronic illness throughout her life, which greatly affected her physical and mental well-being.
Major Accomplishments
Despite facing numerous health challenges, Alice made significant contributions to literature. Her writing often explored themes of personal struggle, social commentary, and introspection. She was particularly drawn to satire, humor, and irony in her work. In addition to her literary pursuits, Alice also worked as an educator at the Boston Home for Little Women.
Notable Works or Actions
Alice's literary output includes letters, poetry, and essays that showcase her wit and intellectual curiosity. Her most notable works include:
The Diary of Alice James, a collection of letters and writings detailing her daily life.
"Letter to an Unborn Child," which reflects on motherhood, relationships, and personal growth.
Impact and Legacy
Alice's impact extends beyond her own writing. She played a crucial role in the lives of those around her, including her family members and friends. Her experiences with chronic illness shed light on the limitations placed on women during that time period. Alice's legacy serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit, demonstrating how one can find meaning and purpose despite adversity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Alice James is widely quoted for her insightful observations on life, relationships, and personal growth. Her unique perspective, honed through her experiences with illness and isolation, offers readers a glimpse into the complexities of the human condition. Her writing continues to inspire and captivate audiences, making her an enduring figure in American literary history.
Quotes by Alice James
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What a sense of superiority it gives one to escape reading some book which everyone else is reading.
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How sick one gets of being 'good', how much I should respect myself if I could burst out and make everyone wretched for twenty-four hours; embody selfishness.
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The difficulty about all this dying, is that you can’t tell a fellow anything about it, so where does the fun come in?
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Sargy always had the capacities of a cormorant, so he is able to swallow her whole, not having to think about her as she is going down must make it easier.
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How sick one gets of being “good,” how much I should respect myself if I could burst out and make everyone wretched for twenty-four hours; embody selfishness.
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How heroic to be able to suppress one’s vanity to the extent of confessing that the game is too hard.
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What one reads, or rather all that comes to us, is surely only of interest and value in proportion as we find ourselves therein, – form given to what was vague, what slumbered stirred to life.
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The success or failure of a life, as far as posterity goes, seems to lie in the more or less luck of seizing the right moment of escape.
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Destitution and excessive luxury develop apparently the same ideals, the same marauding attitude towards mankind, the intensity of struggle for material goods, – surely showing how perfect is the meeting of extremes.
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