Agnes Repplier
Full Name and Common Aliases
Agnes Repplier was a distinguished American essayist known for her wit and incisive commentary. She was often referred to simply as "Miss Repplier" in literary circles, a testament to her prominence and respect in the field.
Birth and Death Dates
Agnes Repplier was born on April 1, 1855, and she passed away on December 15, 1950. Her life spanned nearly a century, during which she witnessed and commented on significant cultural and societal changes.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Agnes Repplier was an American national, and she made her mark as an essayist and author. Her profession was primarily centered around writing, where she excelled in crafting essays that combined humor, insight, and a deep understanding of human nature.
Early Life and Background
Agnes Repplier was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a family of French and German descent. Her upbringing was marked by a strong emphasis on education and literature, which laid the foundation for her future career. Despite facing challenges in her early education due to her rebellious nature, Repplier's love for reading and writing was evident from a young age. She eventually attended the Sacred Heart Convent in Philadelphia, where she honed her literary skills and developed a lifelong passion for the written word.
Major Accomplishments
Agnes Repplier's career as an essayist was marked by numerous accomplishments. She became a regular contributor to prestigious publications such as The Atlantic Monthly and Harper's Magazine. Her essays were celebrated for their clarity, wit, and ability to engage readers on a wide range of topics, from literature and history to social issues and personal reflections. Repplier's work was recognized with several honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Letters from the University of Pennsylvania, highlighting her influence and contribution to American literature.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Agnes Repplier's most notable works are her collections of essays, which include "Books and Men," "Points of View," and "In Our Convent Days." These collections showcase her ability to blend humor with serious commentary, making her essays both entertaining and thought-provoking. Repplier's writing often explored the intersection of literature and life, offering readers a unique perspective on the world around them. Her essays remain a testament to her skill as a writer and her keen understanding of human nature.
Impact and Legacy
Agnes Repplier's impact on American literature is significant. She was a pioneer in the field of essay writing, and her work helped to elevate the essay as a respected literary form. Her ability to address complex topics with wit and clarity made her a beloved figure among readers and fellow writers alike. Repplier's legacy is evident in the continued appreciation of her essays, which remain relevant and insightful to this day. Her influence can be seen in the work of later essayists who have drawn inspiration from her style and approach.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Agnes Repplier is widely quoted and remembered for her sharp wit and insightful observations. Her essays often contained memorable lines that captured the essence of her thoughts with precision and humor. Repplier's ability to articulate complex ideas in a relatable and engaging manner has ensured that her work continues to resonate with readers. Her quotes are frequently cited in discussions on literature, society, and human nature, reflecting her enduring relevance and the timeless quality of her writing. As a result, Agnes Repplier remains a respected and quoted figure in the world of literature, celebrated for her contributions to the art of the essay.
Quotes by Agnes Repplier
Agnes Repplier's insights on:
A villain must be a thing of power, handled with delicacy and grace. He must be wicked enough to excite our aversion, strong enough to arouse our fear, human enough to awaken some transient gleam of sympathy.
A world of vested interests is not a world which welcomes the disruptive force of candour.
It is impossible for a lover of cats to banish these alert, gentle, and discriminating little friends, who give us just enough of their regard and complaisance to make us hunger for more.
Life is so full of miseries, minor and major; they press so close upon us at every step of the way, that it is hardly worthwhile to call one another’s attention to their presence.
Whatever has “wit enough to keep it sweet” defies corruption and outlasts all time; but the wit must be of that outward and visible order which needs no introduction or demonstration at our hands.
The great dividing line between books that are made to be read and books that are made to be bought is not the purely modern thing it seems. We can trace it, if we try, back to the first printing-presses...
Every true American likes to think in terms of thousands and millions. The word ‘million’ is probably the most pleasure-giving vocable in the language.