Cities Quote by James M. Cain
“New York is not even a city, it's a congerie of rotten villages.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Postman Always Rings Twice (1934) by James M. Cain
The author portrays New York as a collection of decaying, undesirable neighborhoods rather than a cohesive city.
In simple terms: New York is depicted as a collection of rotten villages.
Key Takeaway
Question urban decay and seek community improvement.
Themes
urban decay
disillusionment
environment
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- city planning
- neighborhood revitalization
- housing policy
- community activism
Key Concepts
sociology
urban studies
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors contribute to urban decay?
- How can communities revitalize neglected areas?
A Different Perspective
The view is hyperbolic and ignores vibrant aspects of the city.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
