Waldo Frank
Waldo Frank was an American novelist, essayist, and cultural critic known for his exploration of American identity and the human experience in the early 20th century. Born in New Jersey, Frank's literary career flourished during a time of significant social and political change in the United States. His works often reflected his deep interest in the interplay between individual lives and broader societal forces. Notable among his writings is 'The Unwelcome Man,' which delves into themes of alienation and the search for meaning in a rapidly modernizing world. Additionally, his novel 'Our America' serves as a poignant critique of American culture and its values, showcasing his belief in the necessity of a more profound spiritual and ethical awakening in society. Frank was also a prominent figure in the literary community, engaging with contemporaries such as Sherwood Anderson and John Dos Passos. His essays and critiques often addressed the role of art and literature in shaping public consciousness, making him an influential voice in American letters. Despite his significant contributions, Frank's work has often been overshadowed by other literary figures of his time. Nevertheless, his commitment to exploring the complexities of American life and his advocacy for social change have left a lasting impact on the literary landscape, marking him as a crucial, if sometimes overlooked, figure in American literature.
Famous Quotes
View all 11 quotes“My several years in the word game have learnt me several rules: (1) Avoid alliteration. Always(2) Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.(3) Avoid clichés like the plague. (They're old hat.)(4) Employ the vernacular.(5) Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.(6) Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.(7) It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.(8) Contractions aren't necessary.(9) Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.(10) One should never generalize.(11) Eliminate quotations. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."(12) Comparisons are as bad as clichés.(13) Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.(14) Profanity sucks.(15) Be more or less specific.(16) Understatement is always best.(17) Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.(18) One-word sentences? Eliminate.(19) Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.(20) The passive voice is to be avoided.(21) Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.(22) Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.(23) Who needs rhetorical questions?””
“Enemies must have common ground. Else, they are not enemies but strangers.””
“I am weary with whiteness. To rule, to be civilized and chaste; you do not know what weariness it is. My woman yearns toward me in hunger, I am spent. All the world waves in darkling circles about my white uprightness, I am spent.””
