Tennessee Williams Quotes: Inspirational and Thought-Provoking

Contents

Tennessee Williams was an American playwright and author of many acclaimed plays, including A Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie . His works are known for their vivid characters, poetic dialogue, and exploration of complex themes. Here are some of his most inspiring and thought-provoking quotes.

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Quotes from His Plays

Williams' plays are full of memorable quotes. Here are some of the most famous:



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A Streetcar Named Desire

'What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains.'

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The Glass Menagerie

'Time is the longest distance between two places.' Tennessee Williams was an American playwright who is widely regarded as one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th century. His works, which include 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,' are known for their powerful themes and complex characters.But beyond his plays, Tennessee Williams also left behind a legacy of inspiring quotes that continue to resonate with people today. These quotes offer insights into life, love, and human nature that are both thought-provoking and inspirational.One such quote from Tennessee Williams reads: 'We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped inside.' This quote speaks to the idea that we must confront our problems head-on rather than ignoring them or hoping they will go away on their own.Another memorable quote from Tennessee Williams is: 'Time rushes towards us with its hospital tray of infinitely varied narcotics, even while it is preparing us for its inevitably fatal operation.' This quote reminds us that time is precious and fleeting – we must make the most of every moment we have.If you're looking for more inspiration from other great thinkers like Chris Thomas Knight or Eric Ries (author of Lean Startup), check out these links: chris thomas knight , lean startup quotes .

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Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

'Mendacity is a system that we live in. Liquor is one way out and death's the other.'

Quotes about Life and Love

Williams' plays often explore themes of love and life. Here are some of his most memorable quotes on these topics:

On Life

'Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going.'

On Love

'Love is a springtime plant that perfumes everything with its hope, even the ruins to which it clings.'

Quotes about Writing

Williams was a prolific writer, and his works have inspired generations of writers. Here are some of his quotes about writing:

On Writing

'A high station in life is earned by the gallantry with which appalling experiences are survived with grace.'

On Creativity

'Make voyages. Attempt them. There's nothing else.'

Quotes about Success

Williams was a successful playwright, and his works have been performed around the world. Here are some of his quotes about success:

On Success

'Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it... Success is shy—it won't come out while you're watching.'

On Perseverance

'If I got rid of my demons, I'd lose my angels.'

Conclusion

Tennessee Williams' quotes are as inspiring and thought-provoking today as they were when he wrote them. His works continue to be performed around the world, and his words continue to inspire generations of writers and readers.

FAQ

  • Q: What plays did Tennessee Williams write?
    A: Tennessee Williams wrote many acclaimed plays, including A Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie .
  • Q: What themes does Tennessee Williams explore in his works?
    A: Tennessee Williams' works explore themes of love, life, and success.
  • Q: What are some of Tennessee Williams' most famous quotes?
    A: Some of Tennessee Williams' most famous quotes include 'What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains,' 'Time is the longest distance between two places,' and 'Mendacity is a system that we live in. Liquor is one way out and death's the other.'

Table of Tennessee Williams' Plays

Play Year
A Streetcar Named Desire 1947
The Glass Menagerie 1944
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 1955
The Night of the Iguana 1961
The Rose Tattoo 1951

For more information about Tennessee Williams and his works, visit Biography.com and The Poetry Foundation .