Dodie Smith I Capture the Castle
Full Name and Common Aliases
Dodie Smith was born Dodie Smith on November 15, 1906, in Lancashire, England.
Birth and Death Dates
November 15, 1906 - November 24, 1990
Nationality and Profession(s)
British novelist, playwright, and memoirist. She is best known for her novels I Capture the Castle (1948) and The Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956).
Early Life and Background
Dodie Smith was born to a family of modest means in Lancashire, England. Her childhood was marked by a love for storytelling and writing, encouraged by her mother. Smith's early life was also influenced by her relationships with her siblings and the surrounding countryside.
Growing up, Dodie developed a passion for literature and drama, which led her to pursue a career as a writer. She attended Somerville College, Oxford, but did not graduate due to health reasons. After university, Smith worked as an actress and playwright before turning her focus to novel-writing.
Major Accomplishments
Dodie Smith's most notable accomplishments include writing two beloved novels: I Capture the Castle (1948) and The Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956). Her first novel is a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of the Mortmain family. The book has been praised for its unique narrative voice, witty dialogue, and poignant portrayal of family dynamics.
Her second novel, The Hundred and One Dalmatians, tells the tale of a doting mother's quest to reclaim her stolen pups. This heartwarming story cemented Smith's reputation as a masterful storyteller capable of crafting both humorous and touching narratives.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her novels, Dodie Smith wrote several plays, including Autumn Crocus (1931) and Summer Song (1948). Her work often explored themes of family relationships, personal growth, and the complexities of human emotions. Throughout her career, Smith demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft engaging stories that resonated with readers of all ages.
Impact and Legacy
Dodie Smith's impact on literature is still felt today. Her writing style, characterized by its wit, humor, and insight into the human condition, has influenced generations of authors and readers alike. Her work continues to be widely read and studied in schools and universities around the world.
Smith's legacy extends beyond her literary contributions as well. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend, known for her warmth, kindness, and generosity towards those close to her. Her personal life was marked by both joy and hardship, but she consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her craft and her loved ones.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dodie Smith's enduring popularity can be attributed to the timeless themes and universal emotions present in her work. Her writing remains relevant today due to its ability to evoke both laughter and tears from readers of all ages. As a testament to her skill as a storyteller, Dodie Smith continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers alike.
Her unique narrative voice, memorable characters, and poignant explorations of human relationships have cemented her place in literary history. As a result, I Capture the Castle and The Hundred and One Dalmatians remain beloved classics, widely read and quoted for their insight into the complexities of family life and personal growth.
Today, Dodie Smith's quotes and stories continue to be celebrated for their wit, humor, and heart. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to capture our imagination and touch our hearts.
Quotes by Dodie Smith I Capture the Castle
What is it about the English countryside---why is the beauty so much more than visual? Why does it touch one so?
We burnt the salt and the herbs (in America it is correct to drop the h in herbs---it does sound odd.)
![I think what I really mean is that [she] won't be WANTING things to happen. She will want things to say just as they are. She will never have the fun of hoping something wonderful and exciting may be just round the corner.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-670996.png&w=1536&q=100)
I think what I really mean is that [she] won't be WANTING things to happen. She will want things to say just as they are. She will never have the fun of hoping something wonderful and exciting may be just round the corner.
And who says you always have to understand things? You can like them without understanding them -- like 'em better sometimes.
People's clothes ought to be buried with them...They oughtn't to be left behind to be despised.
A thousand pounds for clothes--when on thinks how long poor people could live on it! When one thinks how long we could live on it, for that matter!
I believe it is customary to get get one's washing over first in baths and bask afterwards; personally, I bask first. I have discovered that the first few minutes are the best and not to be wasted--- my brain always seethes with ideas and life suddenly looks much better than it did...So I bask first, wash second and then read as long as the hot water holds out. The last stage of a bath, when the water is cooling and there is nothing to look forward to, can be pretty disillusioning.
When I read a book, I put in all the imagination I can, so that it is almost like writing the book as well as reading it - or rather, it is like living it. It makes reading so much more exciting