Back Quote by Lyle Kessler
“I was born in Philadelphia, and I've tried to escape that city all my life. I end up writing plays that force me back to Philadelphia, at least psychologically if not physically.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The 1990s Playwrights Talk, Lyle Kessler, 1995
The author feels trapped by his hometown, yet his creative work repeatedly draws him back emotionally.
In simple terms: He cannot escape Philadelphia; his art pulls him back.
Key Takeaway
Accept that place shapes you; use it creatively.
Themes
identity
creativity
place
conflict
Mood
nostalgic
reflective
Type
personal
artistic
When to use this quote
- playwriting
- personal reflection
- urban life
- creative struggle
Key Concepts
psychology
artistic expression
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your environment influence your art?
- Can you find freedom within familiar settings?
A Different Perspective
Creative work may reinforce the very ties you wish to avoid.
![“Part of the problem was that I couldn't seem to get past the fact that I hadn't tried to escape from Kas. Even in France, when he'd left me on my own for several days, I'd carried on working [as a prostitute] and doing all the things he'd told me to d. And although I knew that it was because of…” quote by Sophie Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b16/sophie-hayes-58674_abuse_part-of-the-problem-was-that-i-couldn-t_1315864.jpg)
