Truman Capote was an American novelist and short story writer known for his distinctive writing style and his contributions to the literary world. Capote is considered the creator of the American true-crime sub-genre.
Born in New Orleans in 1924, Capote had a tumultuous and difficult childhood. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was sent to live with his mother's relatives in Monroeville, Alabama. This period of his life is said to have had a significant influence on his writing.
Capote's relationships with the women in his life, especially his mother and his aunt, are said to have had a strong influence on his writing. His mother, Lillie Mae Faulk, was a socialite and aspiring actress who was often absent from her son's life. Capote's aunt, Marie Rudisill, was a strong-willed woman who played a significant role in his upbringing. Both women were complex, larger-than-life figures who are said to have inspired many of the female characters in Capote's writing.
Capote's childhood in Monroeville was also said to have influenced his writing. The small-town setting and the strong sense of community in Monroeville are evident in many of Capote's stories, which often explore the relationships and dynamics of small-town life. Capote's own experiences with isolation and loneliness are also said to have had an impact on his writing. As a child, he often felt isolated and neglected by his parents, and this sense of isolation is reflected in many of his stories.
Capote's personal relationships and experiences with the people in his life, including his close friendships with other writers and celebrities, are also said to have influenced his writing. His relationships with figures such as Harper Lee, Carson McCullers, and Marilyn Monroe are said to have inspired many of the characters and relationships in his writing.
Writing Style
Capote was known for his use of a narrative voice that was both personal and intimate. He often used "I" to narrate his stories, giving the reader a sense of being directly addressed by the author. He was also known for his meticulous research and his ability to bring his characters and settings to life.
Capote's writing often delves deep into the emotional lives of his characters, exploring their fears, desires, and motivations. He was known for his ability to create complex, multi-dimensional characters that readers could relate to and care about.
He was also known for his willingness to experiment with different forms and styles in his writing. He wrote both fiction and non-fiction, and was the pioneer of what he called the "non-fiction novel" form with his most famous book, "In Cold Blood."
Despite the critical and commercial success of "In Cold Blood," Truman Capote never completed another novel. He died in 1984.
"Summer Crossing," Capote's long-lost first novel, was discovered in 2004 in a box belonging to one of the famous author's former house-sitters. Abandoned by Capote around 1950, the hand-written manuscript was believed to have been destroyed by its author.
"Summer Crossing" was later published in 2005.
Legacy
The creation of his masterpiece, "In Cold Blood," was the subject of two major Hollywood films: "Infamous" and "Capote." The late Philip Seymour Hoffman won an Oscar for his portrayal of the titular icon in "Capote."
Considered one of the greats of American literature, Capote's work has endured and is still discussed in classrooms today. "In Cold Blood" has never gone out of print.
Truman Capote signs copies of his most enduring work, "In Cold Blood."