Born on September 30, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Truman Capote rose to fame as one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. Both celebrated for his exceptional novels and notorious for his extravagant lifestyle and unique persona, Capote's career as a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and actor showcased his diverse talents and versatile literary style, spanning from Southern Gothic to comedy, and eventually, to true crime.
Truman Capote, originally named Truman Streckfus Persons, was born to Ellie May, also known as Nina, and 'Arch' Persons. Sadly, his childhood was marked by parental neglect and abandonment. Following his parents' separation in 1928, Capote spent most of his early years with his maternal relatives in Monroeville, Alabama.
It was in Monroeville where Capote formed an unlikely friendship with a young Harper Lee. Despite their differences, they shared a passion for books from a young age. Lee, the daughter of a local lawyer, and Capote, a delicate boy who often faced bullying for his effeminate nature, bonded over their love for literature. Both writers would eventually achieve worldwide recognition, with Lee writing the iconic novel To Kill A Mockingbird (1960).
A prodigious reader, Capote taught himself to read by the age of 5 and spent three hours writing every day while other children played outdoors. He even submitted his first short story, 'Old Mrs. Busybody,' to a children's writing competition while still living in Monroeville.
In 1936, Capote moved to New York City to live with his mother and her new husband, José García Capote, a bookkeeper who later adopted him and gave him his name. He attended private schools and eventually enrolled in St. Joseph Military Academy, where he faced bullying. The family moved again in 1939 to Greenwich, Connecticut, where Capote attended Greenwich High School and contributed to the school's literary journal, The Green Witch. They returned to New York in 1941, and Capote graduated from the private Franklin School in 1942.
While still a student at Franklin, Capote began working for The New Yorker magazine. He remained there for two years until a disagreement with poet Robert Frost caused him to lose his job. However, this did not discourage Capote, and he continued to make a name for himself as a short story writer. His work was published in various magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly, Harper's Bazaar, Harper's Magazine, and The New Yorker. In 1946, he won his first O. Henry Award.
Capote's debut novel and bestseller, Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948), caused controversy with its exploration of homosexuality. Set in the South, it is a coming of age story based on Capote's own experiences, following 13-year-old Joel Harrison Knox as he struggles with his identity. The novel's provocative cover, featuring a photograph of Capote in an alluring pose by Harold Halma, also sparked debate. This photograph would later inspire artist Andy Warhol and his iconic pop art style.
Warhol, known for his bold prints of Campbell's Tomato Soup and portraits of celebrities such as Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, was a leading figure in the 1960s Pop Art movement. This movement challenged traditional artistic boundaries and rejected the notion of a solitary genius artist. Southern Gothic, a genre characterized by its dark humor and exploration of irrational and macabre thoughts, was once considered a negative term but is now synonymous with this type of literature. Notable authors associated with this genre include Edgar Allan Poe and William Faulkner.
Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Other Voices, Other Rooms established Capote as a renowned novelist. He went on to publish other successful works, including A Tree of Night and Other Stories (1949) and The Muses are Heard (1956), a non-fiction account of his travels.
However, it was Capote's novel Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) that brought him the height of his fame.
Truman Capote, renowned for his flamboyant lifestyle and larger-than-life personality, is also known as one of the most iconic American novelists of the 20th century. From his early days as a young boy writing stories in Monroeville to his literary success in New York City, Capote's legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
Truman Capote's unique writing style and captivating storytelling have made him a household name in American literature. His works have been widely acclaimed, with two of his most famous pieces being Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and In Cold Blood (1966). Despite their differences, both novels are worth exploring further.
Set in post-war New York, Breakfast at Tiffany's is a literary fiction piece that falls under the comedy of manners genre. The story follows Holly Golightly, also known as Lulamae Barnes, a flawed yet intriguing character determined to survive in the bustling city. Capote's portrayal of Holly is unapologetic and raw, showcasing her naivety and cunning nature. Despite its outwardly light and playful tone, the novel delves into deeper themes of isolation, love, and dreams, making it a modern classic. The book was also adapted into a Hollywood film, although Capote publicly criticized the casting choice and the movie itself.
In Cold Blood is a departure from Capote's usual style, as it falls under the true crime genre. It is based on the brutal murders of the Clutter family in 1959 and follows the investigation and eventual capture of the killers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. Capote's attention to detail and close analysis of Perry's character garnered praise from critics and fellow author Norman Mailer. However, the book also received criticism for its sensationalist approach to the events and the creation of fictitious elements. Nevertheless, it was a commercial success and solidified Capote's position as a prominent writer.
With his two most famous works, Capote's writing style and subject matter showcase his versatility and ability to capture the essence of different genres. His work continues to inspire and influence writers of various styles.
Truman Capote is credited with pioneering the modern version of true crime books, although some argue that the genre dates back to the Renaissance. A handful of critics believe that the first English language true crime book was actually written in the 1600s by John Reynolds, titled "The Triumphe of God's Revenge Against the Crying and Execrable Sinn of Murther" (1635).
Despite his success as an author, Capote's personal life took a downward spiral. He struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and lost many of his close friends, including Harper Lee, after revealing private information in published interviews. Although his life partner Jack Dunphy stood by him, they lived separate lives in separate homes. After a 14-year hiatus, Capote's final book, "Music for Chameleons", was published in 1980 and became a critical success, spending 16 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
On August 25, 1984, Truman Capote passed away in Bel Air, Los Angeles due to liver disease exacerbated by his substance abuse. Despite his controversial behavior and difficult upbringing, Capote is still recognized as a significant American author of the 20th century.
Some key takeaways from Capote's work include his versatility in writing across genres such as Southern Gothic, Comedy of Manners, Non-fiction travel writing, and True Crime or New Journalism. His most famous works include "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "In Cold Blood". He also had a strong friendship with fellow author Harper Lee, who supported him during the writing of "In Cold Blood". Capote's open homosexuality, lavish lifestyle, and substance abuse made him both a popular and controversial figure, especially during a time when homosexuality was still illegal in America. His works have been adapted into several award-winning films, solidifying his legacy as a revered author.
After Truman Capote's death, he was cremated and his ashes were given to his partner, Jack Dunphy. The couple's remains were scattered at Crooked Pond in Long Island, New York. There are also rumors that a portion of Capote's ashes were sold at an auction.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Truman Capote is renowned for his literary masterpieces, including "In Cold Blood" (1966) and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1958). Unfortunately, he passed away from liver disease.
However, Capote's impact on literature extends far beyond his written works. He was a pioneer of New Journalism and his stories have been adapted into successful films and plays. A versatile writer, Capote received numerous awards for his short stories, showcasing his talent in various genres.
