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Truman Capote: On His 100th Birthday, The Southern Literary Gadfly Still Gets Attention

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Truman Capote’s influence on my writing makes it impossible to ignore his 100th  birthday.

My journey with Truman Capote’s writing began when a high school reading assignment required me to read his short story, Children on Their Birthdays. I was captivated by Capote’s ability to use clear language to create vivid descriptions. The next day, I went to my local library and read his short story, A Christmas Memory (1956), about a particularly memorable Christmas spent with his older cousin, Sook Faulk, and checked out his true crime non-fiction novel In Cold Blood (1966), which I read over the weekend. Since then, I’ve devoured all of Capote’s published works and strive to write with as much clarity and emotional depth as he did.

Truman Capote is the bed on which I lay my writing.

Capote’s bookend dates:

  • Born: September 30, 1924, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
  • Died: August 25, 1984, Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA

Between these dates, Capote lived a life filled with destructive selfishness reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘all-out, full-tilt, hell-bent way of living.’ He could have been one of America’s greatest writers had it not been for two things: his need for celebrity, his own and surrounding himself with celebrities, and his alcoholism. While Capote did achieve the fame he desperately craved, it came, as it often does when one chases “to be loved and worshipped” at the cost of his humanity. Capote’s life serves as a cautionary tale about the danger of making a demonic bargain with your moral integrity to achieve celebrity status.

The American writer Dorothy Potter Snyder explained Truman Capote in three words, “great, gay and Southern.” Ironically, Truman’s first love wasn’t writing. Capote wrote in the preface to Music for Chameleons (1980): “Then one day I started writing, not knowing that I had chained myself for life to a noble but merciless master. When God hands you a gift, he also hands you a whip; and the whip is intended solely for self-flagellation.” Capote didn’t write for the sake of writing; it was a means to an end. First and foremost, Truman loved gossiping with “high society,” recognition, and the celebrity-like attention his writing provided.

Writer Truman Capote, 1976

Who doesn’t, at least to some degree, contort themselves to be loved, recognized, and accepted?

Capote wasn’t just a writer who offered immense literary value to American literature. Besides his ability to blend traditional Southern Gothic with modern sensibilities, Capote’s flamboyant nature unwittingly—due to the advent of television and its widespread reach, which he shamelessly exploited, even appearing in a comedy skit in 1973 on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour—contributed to contemporary celebrity culture. Additionally, as far as I know, even though Capote avoided discussing his sexuality in interviews, he was one of the first openly gay celebrities in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, thanks to his ballsy “Like it or not, here I am!” attitude.

Capote matter-of-factly told anyone who inquired that his longtime companion was Jack Dunphy, a married man who left his wife for him and remained his companion until Capote sent himself into an early grave dying in Joanne Carson’s, the ex-wife of NBC’s Tonight Show host, Johnny Carson, Bel Air home having ruined his health and beautiful mind with alcohol and all sorts of recreational drugs. Gore Vidal, being “Gore Vidal,” declared Capote’s death “a wise career move.”

It was Capote’s ability to self-promote that helped him become so famous. On the back cover of his 1948 debut novel Other Voices, Other Rooms, a photograph of Capote, then 24, reclined across a Victorian couch in an overtly sexually suggestive pose generated quite a reaction among postwar conservative Americans. From the get-go, Capote knew how to create buzz and curate readers, as he did with his 1958 novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s, in which he captures the complexities of gender and sexual identity, so it resonated with a burgeoning audience longing for representation.

Capote’s most significant contribution to American literature and contemporary journalism was his groundbreaking book, In Cold Blood. Often regarded as the first nonfiction novel and the beginning of the New Journalism movement, In Cold Blood systematically recounts the events leading up to and following the unwarranted and violent murder during the early morning hours of November 15, 1959, of the Clutter family—Herb Clutter, his wife, Bonnie, and their teenage children Nancy and Kenyon—in Holcomb, Kansas. With vivid characterizations and psychological depth, Capote’s narrative style redefined narrative nonfiction and set the stage for future literary explorations of violence and morality.

Capote’s dramatic flair extended beyond his writing. A regular at high-society gatherings, his social life was as vibrant as his prose. His ability to navigate different social strata and his keen observation of human behaviour lent credibility to his narratives. As a result, Capote emerged as a force in Southern Gothic literature, whose writing evolved into a more journalistic style while continuously challenging the social conventions and expectations of his time.

Capote’s impact on celebrity culture can’t be overstated. He was one of the first authors to seek out and wrap himself in the concept of celebrity author—a figure whose life and persona are as captivating as their work, not much different from Hemingway. Though he didn’t seek out fame, Papa led a life, possibly by design, that was, to say the least, compelling. Capote’s friendships and public “sharing” of their lives—essentially gossip—with celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and socialites Lee Radziwill, Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ sister, and Babe Paley, wife of CBS founder William S. Paley, contributed to the creation of today’s celebrity culture.

Capote’s “Black and White Ball,” held at New York City’s Plaza Hotel on November 28, 1966, attended by some of the most prominent figures of the time, was a manifestation of his desire to merge artistic merit with social capital and served, as much of Capote’s life served, as a commentary on the transient nature of social status and fame.

If Truman Capote were alive today, with social media’s ability to create and destroy fame, I envision Capote would be constantly on the edge of his seat monitoring the digital circus, as most of us do.

Capote’s observations on celebrity culture were critical, often to the point of being scathing. His sharp wit and keen observations allowed him to dissect the absurdities of fame. His 1956 book, The Muses Are Heard, a journalistic account of The Everyman’s Opera’s mid-1950s cultural mission to the Soviet Union, reflects his fascination with the tensions between art and commerce and the commodification of personal identity.

Capote did not just participate in celebrity culture; he was the ubiquitous fly on the wall reporting on and critiquing the very world he inhabited, which ultimately led to his being shunned by those he vehemently wanted to identify with. Given Capote’s notorious self-serving nature, it’s hard to believe that no one he befriended didn’t consider his friendship came with conditions.

 

In keeping with the advice that writers should write about what they know, based on what has been published of Answered Prayers, his never finished tell-add novel, Capote packed, Answered Prayers, with thinly fictionalized versions of some of the world’s wealthiest and most fashionable women. Capote knew, as Marcel Proust and Oscar Wilde did, that stories which pulled back the curtain on a segment of society most people aren’t privy to would attract readers en masse. There wasn’t an affair, abortion, divorce or death among New York City’s elite that Capote didn’t know about. “Instead of a shrink, I had Truman,” said Marella Agnelli, Italian socialite, fashionista, and wife of Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli.

Capote’s publicity skills failed him when he miscalculated (?) the possible consequences by publishing what was supposed to be Answered Prayers seventh chapter, La Côte Basque, in Esquire‘s November 1975 edition, exposing, along with heaps of dirty gossip and speculation, the private lives of New York City’s upper-class women. Overnight, Capote found himself on the outside, resulting in isolation and despair. Publishing La Côte Basque was a monumental act of self-destruction.

As a fair point of reference, Capote published the supposed first chapter of Answered Prayers, Mojave, in Esquire‘s June 1975 issue and received favourable reviews. La Côte Basque was too venomous to be ignored, and Capote was punished in a way that would ultimately destroy him; his access to the social elite he worked tirelessly to be a part of was revoked.

Capote’s contributions to American literature and his impact on celebrity culture are undeniable. As long as high school students are introduced to Truman Capote, and I hope they are, he’ll remain a vital talking point in our cultural conversations, and his writing, with its Southern charm and razor-sharp wit, will remain a staple of American literature.

As for me, I’ll continue to strive to paint with words, as Truman Capote seemed inherently able to do. However, more importantly, Capote’s life taught me this: It’s when you’re chasing a dream that you’re at your finest and always be careful as to what you do to get what you want.

Happy 100th birthday, Truman Capote!

______________________________________________________________

 

Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s

on his mind from Toronto. You can follow Nick on Twitter and Instagram @NKossovan.

 

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Police can’t say how many people died in Old Montreal fire, arson suspected

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22 mins ago

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October 4, 2024

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MONTREAL – An undetermined number of people died in a major fire in Old Montreal on Friday, police said, in a building owned by a man whose other property in the same neighbourhood went up in flames last year, killing seven.

A police source who spoke to The Canadian Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t permitted to speak publicly said at least two people died in the early morning fire, but officials would not confirm that number.

Insp. David Shane told a news conference, “we expect deaths,” based on testimony from first responders and witnesses police spoke with. He added that investigators had not yet been able to enter the three-storey building that housed a restaurant on the ground floor and a 19-room hostel above.

Major crimes detectives and the arson squad were set to begin what would be a lengthy investigation into the fire that Shane described as “suspicious.”

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and rest assured that every effort is being made to solve this case,” he said.

The blaze started on the ground floor of the building just before 2:40 a.m. and quickly spread to the second and third floors. Two people were hurt, one of whom was taken to hospital with serious injuries, Shane added. Several people managed to escape unharmed.

“We are unable at this time to confirm the number of fatalities or their identities, and investigators are also continuing to determine exactly how many people were in the building when the fire broke out,” he said.

About 125 firefighters were deployed to the scene, and smoke could be seen billowing from the building for several blocks in Old Montreal. About two and a half hours after firefighters started beating back the flames, the building partially collapsed.

City of Montreal property records say the Notre-Dame Street East building was constructed in 1923 and is owned by Emile Benamor. He is also listed as the owner of a heritage building nearby on Place D’Youville that was ravaged by fire in March 2023, leading to the deaths of seven people. All but one victim were staying in short-term rentals.

A number of lawsuits were filed stemming from that fatal blaze, and a coroner’s inquest ordered into the fire is on hold until the conclusion of the police investigation and any potential criminal trials. Shane said police have submitted the results of their investigation to the Crown.

Alexandre Bergevin, a lawyer who represents Benamor, told The Canadian Press his client did not have any comment on the Notre-Dame Street fire. The ground floor of the building housed a wine bar called Loam. The upper floors were rented out to a third-party that operated a hostel called Le 402, Bergevin said. On the website booking.com, reservations for the hostel were suspended Friday.

Fire department chief Martin Guilbault said the hostel was a 19-room establishment that occupied the upper two floors. The building was subject to numerous media reports and investigations. The Journal de Montreal visited the site in 2023 and reported on a number of failings. People who stayed at the hostel also left complaints on various websites about the poor state of the units.

Guilbault said Friday that in 2023 a number of fire code infractions were cited by inspectors, but he said they had all been corrected.

“In spring of 2023, formal notices for major non-compliance were sent to the owner of that building. We’re talking about the absence of a fire alarm system and the absence of smoke alarm(s),” Guilbault said. “By spring 2024, all the non-conformities concerned by the formal notice had been rectified and as far as the (department) was concerned, the building was considered safe.”

Fire department officials said fires in the city’s historic district are complicated, in part because streets are narrow and buildings are adjoined in a row.

Nancy Drummond, 35, said she lives a few units away from where the fire broke out. She said she was told by a neighbour in the middle of the night to leave immediately, and could see flames coming from the restaurant. She managed to grab her shoes and little else.

“There was a boom, something that rattled our building,” Drummond said. “I looked outside and I see the fire department, fire trucks, and then my neighbour knocked immediately (to leave).”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante visited the site late Friday afternoon and pointed out the similarities — and differences — with the 2023 fire in Benamor’s other building.

“What is similar is that we have the same owner — it’s quite impressive,” Plante said. “The second element that is similar is that in both cases now, there is a criminal investigation that is open.”

The difference, she said, is that with the building that caught fire on Friday the fire department worked to make sure it was in compliance with fire codes. “I really want to reassure everyone that all the light will be shed” on the fire, Plante said.

Montreal police have a telephone number dedicated to families and relatives of victims of the Notre Dame Street fire seeking information: 514-280-1294.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4, 2024.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said police reported three people injured. In fact, police said two people were injured.



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Police can’t say how many people died in Old Montreal fire, arson suspected

Published

22 mins ago

 on

October 4, 2024

By

MONTREAL – An undetermined number of people died in a major fire in Old Montreal on Friday, police said, in a building owned by a man whose other property in the same neighbourhood went up in flames last year, killing seven.

A police source who spoke to The Canadian Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t permitted to speak publicly said at least two people died in the early morning fire, but officials would not confirm that number.

Insp. David Shane told a news conference, “we expect deaths,” based on testimony from first responders and witnesses police spoke with. He added that investigators had not yet been able to enter the three-storey building that housed a restaurant on the ground floor and a 19-room hostel above.

Major crimes detectives and the arson squad were set to begin what would be a lengthy investigation into the fire that Shane described as “suspicious.”

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and rest assured that every effort is being made to solve this case,” he said.

The blaze started on the ground floor of the building just before 2:40 a.m. and quickly spread to the second and third floors. Two people were hurt, one of whom was taken to hospital with serious injuries, Shane added. Several people managed to escape unharmed.

“We are unable at this time to confirm the number of fatalities or their identities, and investigators are also continuing to determine exactly how many people were in the building when the fire broke out,” he said.

About 125 firefighters were deployed to the scene, and smoke could be seen billowing from the building for several blocks in Old Montreal. About two and a half hours after firefighters started beating back the flames, the building partially collapsed.

City of Montreal property records say the Notre-Dame Street East building was constructed in 1923 and is owned by Emile Benamor. He is also listed as the owner of a heritage building nearby on Place D’Youville that was ravaged by fire in March 2023, leading to the deaths of seven people. All but one victim were staying in short-term rentals.

A number of lawsuits were filed stemming from that fatal blaze, and a coroner’s inquest ordered into the fire is on hold until the conclusion of the police investigation and any potential criminal trials. Shane said police have submitted the results of their investigation to the Crown.

Alexandre Bergevin, a lawyer who represents Benamor, told The Canadian Press his client did not have any comment on the Notre-Dame Street fire. The ground floor of the building housed a wine bar called Loam. The upper floors were rented out to a third-party that operated a hostel called Le 402, Bergevin said. On the website booking.com, reservations for the hostel were suspended Friday.

Fire department chief Martin Guilbault said the hostel was a 19-room establishment that occupied the upper two floors. The building was subject to numerous media reports and investigations. The Journal de Montreal visited the site in 2023 and reported on a number of failings. People who stayed at the hostel also left complaints on various websites about the poor state of the units.

Guilbault said Friday that in 2023 a number of fire code infractions were cited by inspectors, but he said they had all been corrected.

“In spring of 2023, formal notices for major non-compliance were sent to the owner of that building. We’re talking about the absence of a fire alarm system and the absence of smoke alarm(s),” Guilbault said. “By spring 2024, all the non-conformities concerned by the formal notice had been rectified and as far as the (department) was concerned, the building was considered safe.”

Fire department officials said fires in the city’s historic district are complicated, in part because streets are narrow and buildings are adjoined in a row.

Nancy Drummond, 35, said she lives a few units away from where the fire broke out. She said she was told by a neighbour in the middle of the night to leave immediately, and could see flames coming from the restaurant. She managed to grab her shoes and little else.

“There was a boom, something that rattled our building,” Drummond said. “I looked outside and I see the fire department, fire trucks, and then my neighbour knocked immediately (to leave).”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante visited the site late Friday afternoon and pointed out the similarities — and differences — with the 2023 fire in Benamor’s other building.

“What is similar is that we have the same owner — it’s quite impressive,” Plante said. “The second element that is similar is that in both cases now, there is a criminal investigation that is open.”

The difference, she said, is that with the building that caught fire on Friday the fire department worked to make sure it was in compliance with fire codes. “I really want to reassure everyone that all the light will be shed” on the fire, Plante said.

Montreal police have a telephone number dedicated to families and relatives of victims of the Notre Dame Street fire seeking information: 514-280-1294.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4, 2024.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said police reported three people injured. In fact, police said two people were injured.



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Surging CF Montreal looks to clinch playoff berth against Charlotte FC

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2 hours ago

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October 4, 2024

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CF Montreal has surged above the Major League Soccer playoff line with a late-season unbeaten run.

Now the players will try to keep their foot on the gas and clinch their spot in the post-season.

“The most important thing is not to get complacent, not to get comfortable where we’re at,” goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois said Friday. “We know, especially in this league, how everything could change after one game.”

Montreal (10-12-10) won its third straight game by defeating Atlanta United 2-1 on Wednesday — its first road victory since March 10 — and climbed to eighth in the Eastern Conference ahead of the penultimate Matchday at seventh-place Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Laurent Courtois’s side has 40 points, three clear of ninth-place Toronto FC, 10th-place Philadelphia Union and 11th-place D.C. United. Toronto, however, only has one game remaining on the calendar.

A victory on Saturday would guarantee Montreal a playoff berth provided one of D.C. or Philadelphia doesn’t win their respective matches. If Montreal draws, it can still clinch if either D.C. or Philadelphia loses.

The eighth- and ninth-place teams face off in a wild-card game on Oct. 22. The winner would meet Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami CF in a best-of-three series beginning Oct. 25.

Sirois hopes Montreal can secure its place before meeting New York City FC at home on MLS Decision Day on Oct. 19, which follows an international break, but he also isn’t keen on settling for a wild-card spot.

With Charlotte (12-11-9) five points ahead in the standings, he believes Montreal should be gunning for seventh.

“The mentality I’d like to go into Saturday’s game with is the one where we’re trying to go for the seventh place, where we’re trying to go and win in Charlotte and make that possible,” Sirois said.

Defender George Campbell doesn’t believe Montreal should change its approach now that they’re the ones defending a playoff spot instead of chasing it.

“We can’t get complacent and overconfident or cocky, but we have to know that we’re a good team and we can compete with anyone,” Campbell said.

Amid a roller-coaster season that featured a nine-game winless streak, Montreal is hitting its stride at the perfect moment, earning 12 out of a possible 15 points in its last five matches.

Sirois said players struggled to find consistency while learning the system of their first-year head coach, but now they’re running on all cylinders.

“Each player is doing what they need to do and performing very well individually, which makes us very strong together,” he said.

It helps when one of those individuals is the team’s striker delivering on what he’s paid to do.

Josef Martinez, a league MVP in 2018, is turning back the clock of late with five goals in three outings, including both goals against Atlanta — his former club.

“He can do and execute stuff that nobody else can, and when he’s like this with the proper service, he’s unstoppable,” Courtois said after Wednesday’s win. “He’s one of the most exciting players I’ve ever seen, it’s an honour for me to coach him.”

After juggling his squad much of the season, Courtois has leaned on a nearly identical starting 11 the last three games.

That will likely have to change on Saturday with Montreal playing its third contest in eight days.

“The turnaround is short. There are players who are performing and have a lot of minutes, and there are also players who are fresh,” he said. “We’ll try to make the least risky decisions possible.”

Montreal’s strong run of form started with a 2-1 home victory against a defensively stout Charlotte side on Sept. 14. Sirois expects a more “aggressive” match on the road at Bank of America Stadium.

“Tomorrow, Charlotte might have a bit more possession, wanting to attack us a bit more,” he said. “At the end of the day, there might be a bit more pressure on them because they know that if we win, we’re two points behind them.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4, 2024.



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