Jackson Reed
Breakfast at Tiffany's, written by Truman Capote and published in 1958, is a novella set in New York City in the 1940s. The story revolves around an unnamed narrator, a struggling writer, and his eccentric downstairs neighbour, Holly Golightly. Holly, a cultural icon, is a complex character who embodies a mix of wit, naivete, and charm. The book explores the tension between Holly's desire for freedom and her need for security, as she navigates life in the big city. Breakfast at Tiffany's has gained a cult following and is considered one of Capote's best works, alongside other celebrated pieces such as In Cold Blood and A Christmas Memory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Truman Capote |
| Publication Year | 1958 |
| Genre | Novella, Short Story |
| Accompanying Stories | "House of Flowers", "A Diamond Guitar", "A Christmas Memory" |
| Main Character | Holly Golightly |
| Main Theme | Tension between people wanting security and freedom |
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What You'll Learn
Holly Golightly's character
Holly Golightly is the iconic protagonist of Truman Capote's 1958 novella *Breakfast at Tiffany's*. The story is narrated by an unnamed writer who lives in the same New York City apartment building as Holly. The narrator describes Holly as his "remarkable neighbour", who leads a life filled with glamorous parties, wealthy suitors, and a string of unconventional decisions.
Holly is a complex and captivating character, known for her wit, charm, and naivete. She is often described as a "gold-digger", as she is seen pursuing wealthy men and aspiring to achieve fame and fortune. However, she is also a deeply hurt and broken individual, running from her problems and struggling with her past. One of the most famous aspects of Holly's character is her love for Tiffany's, the luxury jewellery store. She finds comfort and calm in visiting the store, believing that "nothing very bad could happen to [her] there".
In the novella, Holly is portrayed as a young, beautiful, and alluring woman who enters the narrator's life in a rather unusual way. She first climbs through his window to escape a man she had brought home, and later rings his buzzer at odd hours because she can't keep track of her keys. Despite her obnoxious habits and questionable decisions, the narrator finds himself drawn to Holly and becomes "rather an authority on her".
Holly's character has been the subject of much analysis and interpretation. Some have compared her to other literary figures, such as Sally Bowles and Miss Lily Jane Bobbit, as an "unattached, unconventional wanderer, [a] dreamer in pursuit of some ideal of happiness". Capote himself considered Holly his favourite character, and she has certainly left an impact on popular culture, with Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of her in the 1961 film adaptation further cementing her iconic status.
It is worth noting that there are significant differences between Holly's character in the novella and the film adaptation. In the film, Holly is portrayed as more elegant and classy, with toned-down racist and foul-mouthed tendencies. Additionally, the film adds a romantic element to the story, with Holly and the narrator falling in love and staying together, whereas in the novella, Holly simply leaves the United States, and the narrator never learns of her fate.
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The narrator
As the story progresses, the narrator and Holly develop a friendship. They spend a day together, sharing stories about their childhoods. During Christmastime, Holly gives the narrator an expensive antique bird cage, and he gifts her a St. Christopher's medal purchased from Tiffany & Co. The narrator observes Holly's unique connection to Tiffany's, noting that she finds solace in the store and feels like nothing bad can happen to her there.
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Themes of freedom and security
Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's is a novella set in the 1940s about a young woman, Holly Golightly, who has left her Texas upbringing behind to pursue a life of independence in New York City. The story revolves around Holly's quest for personal freedom and the security that comes with financial and emotional stability.
Freedom
Holly Golightly, the main character in Breakfast at Tiffany's, embodies a sense of untethered freedom that was uncommon for women in the mid-20th century. She moves through the world on her own terms, resisting the gender dynamics of her time, which often promoted female passivity and conformity to patriarchal expectations. Holly's independence is reflected in her financial pursuits and her desire to live life according to her rules. She sustains herself by consorting with New York City's wealthy elite, showcasing her resourcefulness and determination to forge her path.
However, Holly's quest for freedom comes with challenges. She grapples with the tension between her desire for independence and the need for human connection. Holly recognises that relationships, even platonic ones, come with responsibilities that can hinder her ability to make truly independent decisions. This dilemma underscores her struggle between wanting companionship and maintaining her autonomy.
Additionally, Holly's unconventional lifestyle attracts attention, making it difficult for her to maintain her privacy. Her neighbours, for example, threaten to call the police due to her bohemian lifestyle, highlighting the societal pushback she faces as a woman daring to live outside the confines of traditional expectations.
Security
While Holly craves freedom, she also seeks the security that comes with financial and emotional stability. Her definition of "home" is not a physical place but a sense of emotional stability and personal safety. She finds solace in visiting Tiffany's, a jewellery store famous for its diamonds, as the store's atmosphere provides her with a sense of tranquility and soothes her anxieties.
Holly's pursuit of security is also evident in her relationships. She values her connection with her brother, Fred, and experiences heartbreak upon his death. This familial bond proves to be stronger than her romantic relationships, as she walks away from her former lovers with little difficulty. Holly's quest for security extends beyond financial stability to encompass the emotional stability she finds in her familial bonds and the sense of calm she discovers in unexpected places like Tiffany's.
In conclusion, Breakfast at Tiffany's explores the complex interplay between freedom and security in Holly Golightly's life. She navigates the challenges of maintaining her independence while seeking the emotional and financial stability that will ultimately provide her with a sense of home and belonging.
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The story's setting
Breakfast at Tiffany's, written by Truman Capote and published in 1958, is set in 1940s New York City. The story is set in a brownstone apartment on the Upper East Side, an area that had become fairly affluent by the 1940s. The protagonist, Holly Golightly, lives in this area, and the narrative revolves around her interactions with various wealthy characters from the Upper East Side who come in and out of her life.
The setting of the novella plays a significant role in shaping the plot and character dynamics. The Upper East Side of New York City in the 1940s was a place of wealth and affluence, which contrasts with Holly Golightly's character as a "gold-digger" and a "hurt and broken kid running from her problems." The brownstone apartments, once considered decrepit, had been rebranded as stylish and fashionable residences, reflecting the changing nature of the neighbourhood.
The specific location of Tiffany's, a luxury jewellery store, is also significant in the story. Holly Golightly finds solace and comfort in the store, believing that "nothing bad can ever happen" to her there. The title of the novella itself is derived from a scene where Holly strikes up a conversation with the narrator about how Tiffany's is the only place that calms her when she feels anxious or overwhelmed.
The 1940s setting also contributes to the exploration of themes such as freedom, authenticity, and belonging. The post-World War II era in New York City provided a backdrop for characters seeking their place in a changing society. Additionally, the setting allowed for the inclusion of controversial topics such as references to homosexuality and racial stereotypes, which were deemed unsuitable by the publisher Harper's Bazaar at the time.
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The movie vs. the book
The movie and the book of Breakfast at Tiffany's have a lot in common. Both centre on the eccentric character of Holly Golightly, who embodies the charming, elusive woman every single girl imagines herself to be. Holly is a young New York society girl who sees the jewellery store "Tiffany & Co." as a haven—a place where nothing bad can happen to her, so she likes to spend time there. The story also involves a young writer who moves into Holly's apartment building and becomes fascinated by his neighbour.
However, there are some notable differences between the two works. The book was written by Truman Capote and published in 1958. It is somewhere between a short story and a novella and is often found in book form combined with three of Capote's other short stories: "House of Flowers", "A Diamond Guitar", and "A Christmas Memory". The writer in the book is unnamed, and the story ends sadly, with the writer never seeing Holly again.
The movie, written by George Axelrod and directed by Blake Edwards, was released in 1961. In the film, the writer is named Paul and is played by George Peppard. The movie ends happily, with Holly and Paul sharing a passionate kiss in the rain. Additionally, Holly is portrayed as less racist and foul-mouthed in the movie, and she actually sets foot inside Tiffany's and eats breakfast outside the store, rather than just talking about it.
Despite these differences, both the book and the movie of Breakfast at Tiffany's have endured as beloved classics, with Holly Golightly becoming a cultural icon, due in no small part to Audrey Hepburn's iconic portrayal in the film.
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Frequently asked questions
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a novella written by Truman Capote and published in 1958. The novella is often combined with three of Capote's other short stories, "House of Flowers", "A Diamond Guitar", and "A Christmas Memory", in book form.
Holly Golightly is the main character in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Holly is a young, beautiful, and alluring woman who is described as "a cross between Lolita and Auntie Mame" by Time.
Breakfast at Tiffany's is about an unnamed narrator who lives in an apartment complex in New York City in the 1940s and is a struggling writer. His downstairs neighbor, Holly Golightly, enters his life and becomes a cultural icon. The main theme in the book is the tension between people wanting security and freedom at the same time.
Yes, Breakfast at Tiffany's is also a movie. The film adaptation is more popular than the book it is based on. Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly in the movie and has given the character cult status.
