Famous Ralph Ellison Quotes

  • He only wanted to use me for something. Everyone wanted to use you for some purpose. – Ralph Ellison

    He only wanted to use me for something. Everyone wanted to use you for some purpose.– Ralph Ellison

  • When American life is most American it is apt to be most theatrical. – Ralph Ellison

    When American life is most American it is apt to be most theatrical.– Ralph Ellison

  • I’d been so fascinated by the notion, that I’d forgotten to measure what it was bringing forth. I’d been asleep, dreaming. – Ralph Ellison

    I’d been so fascinated by the notion, that I’d forgotten to measure what it was bringing forth. I’d been asleep, dreaming.– Ralph Ellison

  • Meaning grows in the mind, but the shape and form of the act remains. – Ralph Ellison

    Meaning grows in the mind, but the shape and form of the act remains.– Ralph Ellison

  • And while the ice was melting to form a flood in which I threatened to drown I awoke one afternoon to find that my first northern winter had set. – Ralph Ellison

    And while the ice was melting to form a flood in which I threatened to drown I awoke one afternoon to find that my first northern winter had set.– Ralph Ellison

  • I could hardly get to sleep for dreaming of revenge. – Ralph Ellison

    I could hardly get to sleep for dreaming of revenge.– Ralph Ellison

  • I do not know if all cops are poets, but I know that all cops carry guns with triggers. – Ralph Ellison

    I do not know if all cops are poets, but I know that all cops carry guns with triggers.– Ralph Ellison

  • The work of art is, after all, an act of faith in our ability to communicate symbolically. – Ralph Ellison

    The work of art is, after all, an act of faith in our ability to communicate symbolically.– Ralph Ellison

  • When I discover who I am, I’ll be free. – Ralph Ellison

    When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.– Ralph Ellison