"Yes, I am a failed playwright. I had three shows on Broadway by the time I was 30. They all flopped, and I fled"
About this Quote
The quote by William Goldman uses a poignant reflection on the nature of success and failure in the innovative arts. In the beginning look, the term "stopped working playwright" juxtaposed with having had "three shows on Broadway" by age 30 might seem inconsistent. Nevertheless, this declaration underscores a deeper fact about the subjective nature of success and the often harsh truths of theatrical endeavors.
Goldman's mention of Broadway-- the pinnacle of American theater-- recommends substantial early achievement. The truth that he had three programs produced there by the age of 30 suggests substantial skill, aspiration, and industry acknowledgment. However, his use of the word "failed" recommends that despite reaching this turning point, his plays did not achieve the long-lasting success, critical recognition, or monetary practicality he had wished for. In Broadway terms, a "flop" usually refers to a program that did not resonate with audiences or critics and closed reasonably early, failing to recover its financial investment.
The sense of individual disappointment and disillusionment is more accentuated by the phrase "and I fled". This implies that the experience of seeing his effort not fulfill success was profoundly frustrating, maybe leading him to withdraw from playwriting. The vulnerability in acknowledging a retreat suggests an emotional toll, possibly even a crisis in confidence or a reevaluation of his creative direction.
Furthermore, by assessing these experiences retrospectively, Goldman may be highlighting the transient nature of public recognition and the internal battle numerous artists deal with in between external accomplishments and personal meanings of success. His admission can resonate broadly, reminding individuals in any field that early obstacles do not preclude later on success and reinvention. Undoubtedly, William Goldman went on to become an extremely effective film writer and author, showing that perceived failures can be stepping stones to greater accomplishments. His candid recommendation works as an effective tip of the resilience needed to pursue imaginative enthusiasms in the middle of problems.
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