Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Full Name and Common Aliases
Dorothy Canfield Fisher was born on February 17, 1879, as Dorothy Canfield. She is commonly known by her married name, Dorothy Canfield Fisher.
Birth and Death Dates
February 17, 1879 – June 9, 1958
Nationality and Profession(s)
American writer, editor, and educator
Dorothy Canfield Fisher was an accomplished American author, teacher, and advocate for education. Her life's work spanned multiple fields, leaving a lasting impact on literature and society.
Early Life and Background
Born in Lawrence, Kansas, to Hiram and Mary (Powers) Canfield, Dorothy grew up in a family that valued education. Her father was a farmer and lawyer who later became the state senator for Kansas. She had two siblings and was raised with strong moral and intellectual principles.
Fisher's early life laid the foundation for her future success. Her love for learning began at home, where she devoured books from her father's extensive library. This exposure sparked an enduring passion for literature that would shape her career.
Major Accomplishments
Dorothy Canfield Fisher made significant contributions to American literature and education:
She was a pioneer in the development of modern English language teaching methods.
As a writer, she authored several novels, including _The Underpinnings_ (1914) and _Rough Hewn_ (1926).
Her work as an editor helped establish the New Republic, a prominent American literary magazine.Notable Works or Actions
Some of her notable works include:
Rough Hewn (1926) - a novel that explores themes of family dynamics, social class, and personal growth.
The Underpinnings (1914) - a novel that delves into the world of high society, revealing the complexities of relationships and social expectations.Impact and Legacy
Dorothy Canfield Fisher's impact extends beyond her literary achievements:
She was an advocate for education reform, pushing for more effective teaching methods and curriculum development.
Her work in language instruction paved the way for future educators to adopt innovative approaches.
As a writer, she brought depth and nuance to American literature, exploring themes that continue to resonate with readers today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dorothy Canfield Fisher's legacy as a writer, educator, and advocate has made her widely quoted and remembered:
Her contributions to language instruction have influenced generations of educators.
Her novels offer insightful explorations of human relationships, social class, and personal growth.
* As a pioneer in education reform, she continues to inspire those seeking to improve teaching methods and curriculum development.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher's life serves as an inspiration for anyone interested in literature, education, or the pursuit of lifelong learning. Her dedication to her craft, her passion for helping others, and her tireless advocacy for education have left a lasting impact on American society.
Quotes by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.

I’m as fixed in my opinion as the man who thought he was a hard-boiled egg.

It wasn’t because Eva had not tried her best. She had nearly killed herself trying. But she had been like a gifted mathematician set to paint a picture.

Eva had passionate love and devotion to give them, but neither patience nor understanding. There was no sacrifice in the world which she would not joyfully make for her children except to live with them.

Father sticks to it that anything that promises to pay too much can’t help being risky.

The minute your group gets so big you don’t know anybody in it and they don’t know you, there’s hell to pay.

I never did,′ said the little girl, but in a less doubtful tone than she had ever used with that phrase so familiar to her. A dim notion was growing in her mind that the fact that she had never done a thing was no proof that she couldn’t.

The matter was that never before had she known what she was doing in school. She had always thought she was there to pass from one grade to another, and she was ever so startled to get a glimpse of the fact that she was there to learn how to read and write and cipher and generally use her mind, so she could take care of herself when she came to be grown up.

