James M. Cain
James M. Cain
#### A Prolific Author of Crime Fiction and Social Commentary
As a renowned author of crime fiction and social commentary, James M. Cain left an indelible mark on the literary world. His works continue to captivate readers with their dark themes, intricate plots, and thought-provoking commentary on the human condition.
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
James Mallahan Cain was born on July 1, 1892, in Annapolis, Maryland. He is often referred to by his initials, J.M.C., or simply as James M. Cain.
#### Birth and Death Dates
July 1, 1892 – October 27, 1977
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American author, novelist, journalist, and screenwriter
Cain's writing career spanned multiple genres, including crime fiction, mystery, and social commentary. He was a prolific author, publishing numerous novels, short stories, and essays throughout his lifetime.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in Annapolis, Cain developed a keen interest in writing at an early age. His father, Michael Joseph Cain, was a newspaper editor, which likely influenced Cain's decision to pursue a career in journalism. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Cain began working as a journalist, eventually transitioning to full-time writing.
#### Major Accomplishments
Cain's most notable works include:
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1934) - A classic crime novel that explores themes of love, lust, and murder.
Double Indemnity (1936) - A best-selling novel adapted into a critically acclaimed film noir.
* Mildred Pierce (1941) - A novel about a woman's struggles in the culinary industry, later adapted into a film.
These works showcased Cain's ability to craft engaging stories that explored the complexities of human nature. His writing often featured morally ambiguous characters, raising questions about the consequences of their actions.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Cain was also an accomplished screenwriter, contributing to notable films such as Stranger on the Third Floor (1940) and The Unfaithful (1947). He continued to write throughout his life, producing numerous novels, short stories, and essays that showcased his versatility as a writer.
#### Impact and Legacy
Cain's writing had a significant impact on the literary world. His innovative style, which often blended elements of crime fiction, social commentary, and psychological insight, influenced generations of authors. Cain's works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be widely read today.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Cain's quotes are often referenced due to their thought-provoking nature and insightful commentary on human behavior. His writing frequently explored the complexities of love, lust, and morality, providing a unique perspective on the human condition.
Quotes by James M. Cain
Miss Turner got out a card and savagely wrote a note on it, her eyes snapping as she handed it over to Mildred. “All right, you wanted to know why that lady offered you a job as waitress, and why I recommended you for this. It’s because you’ve let half your life slip by without learning anything but sleeping, cooking, and setting the table, and that’s all you’re good for. So get over there. It’s what you’ve got to do, so you may as well start doing it.
She has something in her that I thought I had, and now I find I haven’t. Pride, or whatever it is. Nothing on earth could make Veda do what I’m going to do.
The water, the surf, the colors on the shore. You think they make the beauty of the tropical sea, aye, lad? They do not. ‘Tis the knowledge of what lurks below the surface of it, that awful-looking thing, as you call it, that carries death with every move that it makes. So it is, so it is with all beauty.
Just you and me and the road. Just a couple of tramps, just a couple of gypsies, that’s it, but we’ll be together.
If your writing doesn’t keep you up at night, it won’t keep anyone else up either”.
Tomorrow night, if I come back, there’ll be kisses. Lovely ones, Frank. Not drunken kisses. Kisses with dreams in them. Kisses that come from life, not death.
As I say, they don’t teach it at the academy, but you learn it on the job: not every man’s death is a crime.
Mildred sat quite still, and when she heard Veda drive off she was consumed by a fury so cold that it almost seemed as though she felt nothing at all. It didn’t occur to her that she was acting less like a mother than like a lover who had unexpectedly discovered an act of faithlessness, and avenged it.
Suppose you did get a job as a saleswoman? What would you get for it? No matter how they figure it up, when you’re selling goods you get paid on commission, because it stands to reason if you weren’t making commission they wouldn’t pay you. But who’s buying any goods? You’d have just stood around some store, all day long, waiting for the chance to make a living, and not making it. People eat, though, even now. You’ll have something coming in.
A lot of novelists start late – Conrad, Pirandello, even Mark Twain. When you’re young, chess is all right, and music and poetry. But novel-writing is something else. It has to be learned, but it can’t be taught. This bunkum and stinkum of college creative writing courses! The academics don’t know that the only thing you can do for someone who wants to write is to buy him a typewriter.