Title: Truman Capote and In Cold Blood: Pioneer or Playing Writer? This essay details the literary style of Truman Capote's "non-fiction novel" and it's effects on and from society.

Essay by croatanchickHigh School, 12th gradeA+, February 2003

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Truman Capote and In Cold Blood: Pioneer or Playing Writer?

Truman Capote, born Truman Streckfus Persons, was one of the most celebrated writers of his time. Constantly in and out of the media, he published more works of literature than he is perhaps known for, and he was often on television show, partly, perhaps, to play the stereotypical homosexual, which he was. He was well known for so-called "Southern gothic" stories, such as The Grass Harp, although it can be said that his more famous works were In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Both novels were made into movies, the latter starring It Girl of the time, Audrey Hepburn. However, it was In Cold Blood which most won the critics praise. Termed a "non-fiction novel", it detailed the brutal, and seemingly senseless murder of a Kansas family. The novel took Capote six grueling years to complete, however it can be said again that this was the work that the critics most praised.

After it's publication, Capote was hailed as the Next Big Thing. Sadly, he never fully reached his potential. He won many awards and fame, however with his entrance into the proverbial spotlight, there were self-named "critics" who stated that Capote smudged the lines of the reality of the story, as it was based on true events.

"All fiction is gossip."-Truman Capote (Crusie 1)

It was also said that he out-right changed details to fit his theme. As for Capote, he himself thought he was pioneering a new literary style.

With the publication of In Cold Blood, Capote thought himself to be a pioneer in a new literary style he termed the "non-fiction novel". The concept of this new style consists of grouping numerous facts together, and from that, create a story that when completed work that...