Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote - Summary and Analysis | Audible.com
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
A captivating portrait of an enigmatic young woman in New York unveils themes of belonging, identity, and the search for home through unforgettable characters.
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a 1958 novella by American author Truman Capote. Set in 1940s New York City, primarily on the Upper East Side, the story unfolds through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, a young writer who becomes fascinated with his captivating neighbor, Holly Golightly. A young woman from rural Texas, Holly reinvents herself in New York’s café society. Described as an “American geisha,” she lives off the generosity of her wealthy male companions. Despite her seemingly frivolous lifestyle, Holly is portrayed as a complex character, embodying both independence and a deep-seated vulnerability.The story unfolds through the narrator's recollections of Holly, triggered by an old friend's discovery that rekindles memories of their past encounters. Throughout the novella, Holly becomes intertwined with a series of colorful characters and engages in quirky routines, like her weekly visits to a mafia-connected prisoner under the guise of harmless social calls. As their friendship deepens, the narrator uncovers the layers of Holly's personality and mysterious past. The story reaches a climax when Holly's enigmatic and carefree existence is shattered by her brother's death and subsequent legal troubles. She makes an abrupt decision to leave for Brazil, symbolically liberating her nameless cat in a gesture of seeking a true sense of home and belonging.The novella's publication was met with acclaim, with critics praising Capote's elegant prose and vivid characterization of Holly Golightly. Her name and style have become ingrained in American culture, with the 1961 film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly cementing her status as an iconic literary and cinematic figure. Capote's masterful portrayal of Holly's complex persona and the novella's bittersweet ending continue to captivate readers and literary scholars alike.
Themes
Identity and reinvention
Loneliness and isolation
Importance of companionship and friendship
Role of societal norms in shaping individual lives
Illusion versus reality
Impact of the past on the present
Ambiguity of morality and ethical behavior
Innocence and experience
Freedom and confinement
Escapism and disillusionment
Setting
Breakfast at Tiffany's is set in New York City during the 1940s, specifically capturing a snapshot of life on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This era, marked by the aftermath of World War II, is a time of economic recovery and social change in the United States. The novella takes place in a brownstone apartment—emblematic of New York's architectural history and reflective of the mid-20th century aesthetic—that houses the story's central characters.
The geographical and social milieu of the Upper East Side serves as a backdrop to Holly Golightly's adventures. This area, known for its affluence, plays a crucial role in the novella. Its stylish brownstones and the posh lifestyle it affords its residents underscore the contrast between Holly's glamorous public life and her personal tumult. The narrative also touches on Holly's origins in Texas, which she tries to distance herself from.
Capote's vivid depiction of the Upper East Side in the 1940s, with its brownstone buildings and the intersection of cafe society and the city's elite, creates a vibrant and atmospheric setting that plays a crucial role in the novella's narrative and characterization of the enigmatic Holly Golightly.
Characters
The unnamed narrator: A writer who relates his memories of Holly Golightly, the people in her life, and his relationship with her. In the novella, Holly calls the narrator by a nickname, “Fred.”
Holiday (Holly) Golightly: The writer’s downstairs neighbor and friend, whom the novella revolves around. Described the writer as an “American geisha,” Holly is an attractive, free-spirited, and yet vulnerable young woman who survives by socializing with wealthy men.
Joe Bell: A bartender acquainted with both the writer and Holly.
Mag Wildwood: Holly's friend and sometime roommate, a fellow socialite and model.
Rusty Trawler: A presumably wealthy man, thrice divorced, well known in society circles.
José Ybarra-Jaegar: A Brazilian diplomat, who is the companion of Mag Wildwood and, later, of Holly.
Doc Golightly: A veterinarian from Texas, whom Holly married as a teenager.
O. J. Berman: A talent agent from Hollywood, who has discovered Holly and groomed her to become a professional actress.
Salvatore "Sally" Tomato: A convicted racketeer, whom Holly visits weekly in Sing Sing prison.
Madame Sapphia Spanella: Another tenant in the brownstone.
Mr. I. Y. Yunioshi: A Japanese photographer, who lives in the top floor studio apartment of the brownstone.
FAQs
What is Breakfast at Tiffany's about?
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a novella by Truman Capote that revolves around the friendship between the unnamed narrator, a young writer, and his enchanting neighbor, Holly Golightly. Set in 1940s New York, the story follows Holly, a vivacious, independent, and enigmatic woman who navigates life on her own terms, mingling with the wealthy elite and aspiring to a better life.
What is the main character like?
Holly Golightly is the main character, described as an independent, complex, and unconventional young woman. She is a "café society girl" who socializes with wealthy men and is pursued by various characters, including gangsters and millionaires.
Is Holly Golightly a reflection of real people in Truman Capote's life?
Yes, Holly Golightly's character was inspired by several women in Truman Capote's life. Although various claims have been made about the "real Holly Golightly," including famous names like society girl Gloria Vanderbilt and actress Marilyn Monroe, Capote combined traits from multiple acquaintances to create Holly. Interestingly, elements of Holly's character also seem to mirror aspects of Capote's own mother's life and personality.
What is the significance of the book's title?
The title "Breakfast at Tiffany's" refers to a scene where Holly explains that visiting Tiffany's is the only thing that calms her when she's feeling anxious or overwhelmed, as if it's a safe haven for her.
How did the book influence pop culture?
The book introduced an iconic character whose name and style have become part of the American idiom. The 1961 film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn also revived her career and cemented Holly Golightly as a cultural icon.
How does the novella differ from the 1961 film adaptation?
The film adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's, starring Audrey Hepburn, made significant changes to the plot and characters. Set in the 1960s instead of the 1940s, the film alters the ending to a more traditional romantic outcome, where Holly and the narrator end up together, diverging from the novella's ambiguous ending. Additionally, the film omits certain characters and details, tailoring the story for a wider audience.
Why was Breakfast at Tiffany's initially deemed unsuitable for publication in Harper's Bazaar?
The novella's language and subject matter were considered "not suitable" by Harper's Bazaar, where it was initially intended for publication. Concerns were also raised about potential negative reactions from Tiffany's, a major advertiser. The objections led to its withdrawal from Harper's Bazaar, after which it was picked up and published in Esquire magazine.
Has Breakfast at Tiffany's been adapted into other formats besides the film?
Yes, aside from the famous film adaptation, Breakfast at Tiffany's has been adapted into a musical, a television pilot, and stage plays. These adaptations have seen varying degrees of success, with each attempting to capture the essence of Capote's story through different artistic lenses.
Quotes
“It may be normal, darling; but I'd rather be natural.”
“Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.”
“The answer is good things only happen to you if you're good. Good? Honest is more what I mean... Be anything but a coward, a pretender, an emotional crook, a whore: I'd rather have cancer than a dishonest heart.”
“Aprils have never meant much to me, autumns seem that season of beginning, spring.”
“It’s better to look at the sky than live there.”
“Home is where you feel at home.”
“Never love a wild thing.”
Quick facts
The novella Breakfast at Tiffany's was initially sold to Harper's Bazaar for $2,000, intended for in its July 1958 issue. It was rejected for publication after being deemed "not suitable" by Harper's, partly due to concerns over its language and subject matter, specifically fearing a negative reaction from Tiffany's, a major advertiser. It was later sold to Esquire for $3,000.
The character of Holly Golightly was inspired by multiple women in Capote's social circle, including socialite Gloria Vanderbilt, actress Oona O'Neill, and writer Maeve Brennan, among others. However, a November 2020 obituary in The New York Times suggests that socialite Marguerite Littman was the main inspiration for Holly.
In early drafts, Holly Golightly was named Connie Gustafson before Capote changed her name to the more memorable Holiday Golightly.
Capote was unsuccessfully sued for libel and invasion of privacy by a Manhattan resident named Bonnie Golightly, who claimed he had based Holly on her.
Capote's original manuscript of Breakfast at Tiffany's was sold at auction in April 2013 to a Russian billionaire for 306,000 in American dollars.
The prose style of Breakfast at Tiffany's led Norman Mailer to declare Capote "the most perfect writer of my generation," stating he "would not have changed two words in Breakfast at Tiffany's."
A musical adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's, also known as Holly Golightly, premiered in 1966 but was never officially opened after being heavily panned by critics.
Truman Capote had envisioned Marilyn Monroe to play Holly Golightly in the film adaptation of the novella, but Audrey Hepburn was ultimately cast for the role. Capote expressed his preference for Monroe, citing that his original character was closer in spirit to Monroe than to Hepburn.
The film adaptation made significant changes from the novella, including setting it in the 1960s instead of the 1940s and adding a romantic conclusion.
About the author
Truman Capote was American novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and actor. His works, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and the true crime novel In Cold Blood (1966), have been recognized as literary classics and adapted into more than 20 films and television productions.
Capote was born Truman Streckfus Persons on September 30, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His childhood was marked by the divorce of his parents and a geographically fragmented upbringing, which instilled him with a deep sense of isolation and an early resolve to pursue writing. His professional journey began with a job at The New Yorker, followed by a prolific period of writing that produced several acclaimed works. His first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948), launched him into the literary spotlight. While Capote provoked controversy for his unique blend of provocative journalism and literary style, particularly for In Cold Blood, which he termed a "non-fiction novel," his flair for storytelling and knack for creating vividly complex characters won him critical acclaim.
His literary achievements were accompanied by a colorful social life among high society, though his later years were marred by struggles with substance abuse and public scandals. Aside from his contributions to literature, Capote's open discussion of his sexuality and his flamboyant public persona played a role in advancing the visibility of gay authors in the mid-20th century. Truman Capote passed away on August 25, 1984, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a complicated legacy of groundbreaking literary contributions, a celebrated social life, and a series of personal conflicts that continue to intrigue the public.
