Jane Smiley
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jane Smiley, born Jane Graves Smiley, is an acclaimed American novelist and essayist. She is often referred to simply as Jane Smiley in literary circles and by her readers.
Birth and Death Dates
Jane Smiley was born on September 26, 1949. As of the latest available information, she is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Jane Smiley is an American author, primarily known for her work as a novelist and essayist. Her contributions to literature have earned her a place among the most respected writers of her generation.
Early Life and Background
Jane Smiley was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. Her early life was marked by a deep appreciation for literature and storytelling, which was nurtured by her family and educational experiences. Smiley attended Vassar College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Her passion for literature led her to pursue further studies, and she obtained a Master of Fine Arts and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa, a renowned institution for creative writing. This academic background laid the foundation for her future career as a novelist and academic.
Major Accomplishments
Jane Smiley's career is distinguished by numerous accolades and achievements. She is perhaps best known for winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1992 for her novel "A Thousand Acres", a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "King Lear" set on an Iowa farm. This prestigious award solidified her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary American literature. In addition to the Pulitzer, Smiley has received several other honors, including the National Book Critics Circle Award and the PEN USA Lifetime Achievement Award. Her ability to weave intricate narratives with profound themes has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.
Notable Works or Actions
Jane Smiley's literary oeuvre is diverse and expansive, encompassing novels, essays, and non-fiction works. Her most notable novel, "A Thousand Acres", explores themes of family, power, and betrayal, and is considered a seminal work in American literature. Other significant novels include "Moo", a satirical look at academia, and "The Greenlanders", a historical novel set in medieval Greenland. Smiley has also written a trilogy known as "The Last Hundred Years", which chronicles the lives of an Iowa family over a century. Beyond fiction, she has penned insightful essays and non-fiction works, such as "Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel", which offers a comprehensive analysis of the novel as a literary form.
Impact and Legacy
Jane Smiley's impact on literature is profound, with her works often exploring complex social and familial dynamics. Her ability to capture the intricacies of human relationships and societal structures has resonated with readers and critics alike. Smiley's novels often delve into the American experience, providing a lens through which readers can examine cultural and historical contexts. Her legacy is not only defined by her literary achievements but also by her contributions to the understanding of the novel as a form. As a teacher and mentor, she has influenced a new generation of writers, further extending her impact on the literary world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jane Smiley is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful observations on human nature and society. Her ability to articulate complex emotions and situations in a relatable manner has made her works a source of inspiration and reflection for many. Quotes from her novels and essays often capture the essence of her themes, offering wisdom and perspective on life's challenges and triumphs. Smiley's exploration of universal themes such as family, identity, and morality ensures that her words remain relevant and thought-provoking. Her contributions to literature and her ability to engage readers with her storytelling make her a lasting figure in the world of letters.
Quotes by Jane Smiley
Jane Smiley's insights on:
There is no way to tell non-horsey people that the companionship of a horse is not like that of a dog, or a cat, or a person.
In my experience, there is only one motivation, and that is desire. No reason or principle contain it or stand against it.
I was an only child. I've known only children. From this experience I do believe that the children should outnumber the parents.
I learned why out riding alone is an oxymoron: An equestrian is never alone, is always sensing the other being, the mysterious but also understandable living being that is the horse.
Hmmph, said Mrs. Walker, or rather, without speaking, she launched this hmmph into the air of the room and allowed it to float there.
In truth Mr Jonas Silk was as niggardly as he was jealous, and my sister Beatrice had as much interest in Kansas as she did in the czar of all the Russias, and so my brother Mr. Horace Silk worked out his plans in a white heat of frustrated eagerness.
Actually, she often wondered whether cleanliness drove love away. Fastidious, she suspected that life itself was to be found in dirt and disorder, in unknown dark substances that she was hesitant to touch.
I loved the house the way you would any new house, because it is populated by your future.