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Nathanael West
52quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Nathanael West was born Nathan Ewald on October 17, 1903, in Clifton, New Jersey. He is commonly known by his pen name, Nathanael West.
Birth and Death Dates
October 17, 1903 - December 22, 1940
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, novelist, screenwriter, journalist
Nathanael West's life was marked by a blend of literary pursuits and struggling with poverty. He is best known for his novels, which often explored the darker aspects of American society.
Early Life and Background
West grew up in Clifton, New Jersey, where he developed an early interest in writing. After dropping out of high school at 16, he worked a series of unfulfilling jobs to support himself while pursuing his passion for writing. In his early twenties, West moved to New York City, where he began working as a journalist and developed his unique style.
Major Accomplishments
West's first novel, The Dream Life of Balso Snopes, was published in 1931 but received little attention. However, his subsequent works, particularly Miss Lonelyhearts (1933) and A Cool Million (1934), gained more recognition for their unflinching portrayal of American society.
Notable Works or Actions
West's most notable work is arguably The Day of the Locust, published in 1939. This novel offers a scathing critique of Hollywood's Golden Age, exploring themes of greed, deception, and the disillusionment of the American Dream. West's writing style, which blended elements of satire, realism, and social commentary, continues to influence authors today.
Impact and Legacy
Nathanael West died at the age of 37 in a car crash while driving from Mexico to Los Angeles. Though his life was cut short, his impact on American literature is significant. His works are still widely studied and admired for their unflinching portrayal of society's darker aspects.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Nathanael West's legacy can be attributed to the way he pushed boundaries in his writing, often addressing topics that were considered taboo at the time. He is remembered not only for his novels but also for his insightful commentary on American culture and society. His quotes continue to inspire readers to reflect on the state of their world.
Nathanael West's life was marked by a constant struggle between creative ambition and financial necessity. Despite these challenges, he left behind a body of work that remains relevant today, offering a searing critique of America's social ills and the human condition. His unflinching portrayal of society's darker aspects continues to captivate readers, making him one of the most widely quoted American writers of his generation.
Quotes by Nathanael West
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Betty took him for a walk in the zoo and he was amused by her evident belief in the curative power of animals. She seemed to think that it must steady him to look at a buffalo.
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As he stood smiling, a little wave crept up out of the general welter and splashed at his feet for attention. It was Betty.
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Tod didn’t laugh at the man’s rhetoric. He knew it was unimportant. What mattered were his messianic rage and the emotional response of his hearers. They sprang to their feet, shaking their fists and shouting.
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A button machine makes buttons, no matter what the power used, foot, steam or electricity. They, no matter what the motivating force, death, love or God, made jokes.
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But whether he was happy or not was hard to say. Probably he was neither, just as a plant is neither.
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Once he had tried to get fired by recommending suicide in his column. All that Shrike had said was : “Remember, please, that you job is to increase the circulation of our paper. Suicide, it is only reasonable to think, must defeat this purpose”.
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