Dawn Powell Quotes

Powerful Dawn Powell for Daily Growth

About Dawn Powell

Dawn Powell (1906-1996) was an acclaimed American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter known for her sharp wit, incisive social commentary, and keen observations of the human condition in post-World War II New York City. Born Edith Wharton Powell on January 20, 1906, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was the daughter of a prosperous department store owner and an amateur artist. Influenced by the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Edith Wharton, Powell moved to New York City in her early twenties, where she worked as a reporter for The Cincinnati Enquirer before transitioning to a career as a playwright. Her plays were produced on Broadway, most notably "The Rich Are Different" (1926) and "Fashionable Mortals" (1930). In the 1940s, Powell turned her attention to fiction. She published her first novel, "Executive Suite," in 1952, which was a critical success and adapted into a film in 1954. Her subsequent works, such as "Ladies of the Corps" (1965) and "The Goldcrest" (1980), delved into the lives of ambitious individuals navigating the cutthroat world of business, politics, and entertainment in New York City. Powell's writing was characterized by her sharp humor, biting satire, and keen eye for detail, earning her comparisons to Edith Wharton and Dorothy Parker. Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated following, Powell struggled financially throughout her career due to the commercial failures of some of her works. In 1987, Dawn Powell was awarded the National Book Critics Circle Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing her contributions to American literature. She continued writing until her death on July 26, 1996, leaving behind a legacy of witty, insightful, and enduring fiction that continues to resonate today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We're all just passing ships in the night."

This quote by Dawn Powell implies that individuals are transient entities, momentary encounters in life's grand scheme. We may meet others (ships) during our journey through life (night), but these meetings are brief and fleeting, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of human connections. Despite their significance, these encounters don't last long, reinforcing the idea that we are all travelers on our unique paths, destined to move on from one another in the vast expanse of life.


"People have forgotten how to connect, and reconnecting will be one of the great adventures of the next century."

This quote emphasizes that in our modern, digitally-connected world, there is a growing disconnect between people on an emotional and personal level. The act of genuinely connecting with others, both new and old acquaintances, will be one of the most significant journeys or experiences for future generations, as it requires effort and intentionality to bridge the gaps created by technology and modern life. It's a call to rediscover the importance of human connection and invest in it as a means to foster deeper relationships and enrich our lives.


"Love is like a melody that starts off sweetly and gradually grows discordant with the passage of time."

This quote suggests that initially, love may begin as a harmonious and pleasant experience, but over time it can develop discord due to various factors such as misunderstandings, changes in circumstances, or growing apart from one another. The sweetness and harmony represent the initial stages of love while the gradual dissonance symbolizes the challenges that can arise as the relationship evolves. This quote serves as a reminder that love requires effort and understanding to maintain its beauty and harmony, and that it's essential to address issues before they escalate into bigger problems.


"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to be loved."

This quote by Dawn Powell emphasizes that the key aspect of human existence lies in learning and practicing the art of giving and receiving love. It suggests that love, when given and received appropriately, is essential for a fulfilling life. The act of giving love refers to not only expressing emotions but also showing kindness, empathy, and care towards others. Being loved, on the other hand, means feeling valued, appreciated, and connected with someone who cares about us. Thus, this quote underscores the importance of cultivating strong relationships built on mutual affection and understanding for a meaningful life experience.


"A good friend can change your life, but a best friend can save you from it."

This quote by Dawn Powell suggests that a good friend can have a profound impact on one's life, perhaps steering them in a positive direction or introducing them to new opportunities. However, a best friend carries an even greater responsibility – they can not only change your life but also protect you from potential negative aspects of it. This implies that a best friend offers unwavering support and guidance during challenging times, helping you navigate difficult situations and make wiser decisions for the betterment of your life.


Satire is people as they are; romanticism, people as they would like to be; realism, people as they seem with their insides left out.

- Dawn Powell

Left, Like, Would, Realism

The basis of tragedy is man's helplessness against disease, war and death; the basis of comedy is man's helplessness against vanity (the vanity of love, greed, lust, power).

- Dawn Powell

Love, Death, Disease, Lust

The human comedy is always tragic, but since its ingredients are always the same - dupe, fox, straight, like burlesque skits - the repetition through the ages is comedy.

- Dawn Powell

Through, Always, Like, Dupe

I want so much for my lover. At night when our beds are drawn close together I waken and see his dear yellow head on the pillow - sometimes his arm thrown over on my bed - and I kiss his hand, very softly so that it will not waken him.

- Dawn Powell

Sometimes, Bed, Very, Softly

A novel is like a gland pill - it nips off the cream of my hysterics and gets them running on track in a book where they belong instead of rioting all over my person.

- Dawn Powell

Over, Belong, Rioting, Gland

Yet better for one of my nature to have it that way than to have life a peaceful, placid flow of quiet contentment. I must have days of rushing excitement.

- Dawn Powell

Nature, Excitement, Way, Flow

A capacity for going overboard is a requisite for a full-grown mind.

- Dawn Powell

Mind, Capacity, Going, Requisite

I think we will have a boy baby and he will be born on the 20th of August. Everyone else has a girl baby and at times I don't believe I should mind having a little Phyllis Dawn but Dearest wants a boy and I do.

- Dawn Powell

Believe, I Think, Dearest, August

Joe and Jojo and I had lovely day together. I love Joe so much - more and more.

- Dawn Powell

Love, More, Joe, Lovely

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