Richard Yates Quotes

A collection of quotes by Richard Yates.

Richard Yates (1926-1992) was an American novelist and short story writer known for his poignant and insightful exploration of post-World War II American life. Often associated with the literary movement of the "Hemingway generation," Yates delved into themes of disillusionment, alienation, and the dark underbelly of the American Dream. His notable works include the critically acclaimed novels "Revolutionary Road" and "The Easter Parade." Yates's writing style was renowned for its stripped-down prose and unflinching honesty, earning him recognition as a master of American realism. His works continue to resonate with readers, capturing the complexities and struggles of ordinary individuals in the mid-20th century America.

Don't worry, I can't be bothered! You're not worth the troub

Don't worry, I can't be bothered! You're not worth the trouble it would take to hit you! You're not worth the powder it would take to blow you up. You are an empty, empty, hollow shell of a woman. I mean, what the hell are you doing in my house if you hate me so much? Why the hell are you married to me? What the hell are you doing carrying my child? I mean, why didn't you just get rid of it when you had the chance? Because listen to me, listen to me, I got news for you - I wish to God that you had!

Life Love Women Hate Hatred Worthiness

Intelligent, thinking people could take things like this in

Intelligent, thinking people could take things like this in their stride, just as they took the larger absurdities of deadly dull jobs in the city and deadly dull homes in the suburbs. Economic circumstances might force you to live in this environment, but the important thing was to keep from being contaminated. The important thing, always, was to remember who you were.

Truth Self Dull Job True To Self

You want to play house, you got to have a job. You want to p

You want to play house, you got to have a job. You want to play very house, very house, then you got to have a job you don't like. Great. This is the way ninety-eight-point-nine per cent of the people work things out, so believe me, buddy, you've got nothing to apologize for.

Life Work

If my work has a theme, I suspect it is a simple one: that m

If my work has a theme, I suspect it is a simple one: that most human beings are inescapably alone, and therein lies their tragedy.

Truth