# Breakfast at Tiffany's

> 1958 novella by Truman Capote

**Wikidata**: [Q849930](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q849930)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakfast_at_Tiffany's_(novella))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/breakfast-at-tiffany-s-q849930

## Summary
*Breakfast at Tiffany's* is a 1958 novella by Truman Capote, a defining work of mid-20th-century American literature that blends fiction with elements of journalism. It became a cultural touchstone, later adapted into a iconic film starring Audrey Hepburn, and is recognized as a masterpiece of modernist storytelling.

## Key Facts
- **Author**: Truman Capote (American author, 1924–1984)
- **Publication Date**: 1958
- **Genre**: Novella, literary fiction
- **Publisher**: Random House (American general-interest trade book publisher)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Wikidata ID**: Q7725634
- **ISBN-10**: 107828458X
- **ISBN-13**: 978-0026349224
- **Open Library ID**: OL1992167W
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /m/0gyyb0
- **Library of Congress Control Number**: 964700
- **Genre Classification**: Drama fiction (genre of narrative fiction revolving around human inner feelings)
- **Wikipedia Title**: Breakfast at Tiffany's (novella)
- **Sitelink Count**: 36 (Wikipedia links)
- **Related Works**: Adapted into a major motion picture starring Audrey Hepburn
- **Awards**: O. Henry Award (for short fiction contributions by Capote)
- **Influence**: Pioneered the fusion of literary fiction with journalistic elements, shaping modernist storytelling

## FAQs
**What is *Breakfast at Tiffany's* and why is it significant?**
*Breakfast at Tiffany's* is a 1958 novella by Truman Capote that redefined modernist storytelling by blending fiction with journalistic elements. It became a cultural phenomenon, later adapted into a film starring Audrey Hepburn, and is celebrated for its exploration of urban alienation and personal reinvention.

**Who wrote *Breakfast at Tiffany's* and what other works is Truman Capote known for?**
Truman Capote wrote *Breakfast at Tiffany's*, and he is also known for pioneering the nonfiction novel with *In Cold Blood* (1966). He was a prolific author across fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and playwriting, contributing to *The New Yorker* and adapting his works into film and theater.

**What genre does *Breakfast at Tiffany's* belong to?**
*Breakfast at Tiffany's* is classified as a novella within the genre of drama fiction, which revolves around human inner feelings and urban themes. It is also recognized as a work of literary fiction, blending narrative depth with modernist techniques.

**How was *Breakfast at Tiffany's* adapted into a film?**
The novella was adapted into a 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a character central to the story. The film became a major cultural success, further cementing the novella's legacy as a classic of American literature.

**What awards has Truman Capote received for his work?**
Truman Capote received the O. Henry Award for his contributions to short fiction. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and was posthumously honored with the Truman Capote Award for Literary Criticism.

**What is the central theme of *Breakfast at Tiffany's*?**
The central theme of *Breakfast at Tiffany's* is the exploration of urban alienation and personal reinvention. The character of Holly Golightly embodies the spirit of the modern, sophisticated woman navigating the complexities of New York City.

## Why It Matters
*Breakfast at Tiffany's* is a landmark work in American literature that redefined modernist storytelling by merging fiction with journalistic elements. Its portrayal of urban alienation and personal reinvention resonated deeply with post-war audiences, making it a cultural touchstone. The novella’s influence extends beyond literature, as its adaptation into a film starring Audrey Hepburn further solidified its place in popular culture. Truman Capote’s innovative approach to narrative, blending fact and fiction, influenced generations of writers and remains a cornerstone of literary criticism. The work’s enduring legacy ensures its continued relevance in discussions of modernist literature and its impact on film and television adaptations.

## Notable For
- Being the first major work to blend literary fiction with journalistic elements, influencing modernist storytelling.
- Introducing the iconic character of Holly Golightly, a symbol of post-war urban sophistication.
- Being adapted into a 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn, which became a major cultural phenomenon.
- Pioneering the fusion of literary and journalistic techniques in American literature.
- Shaping the portrayal of urban alienation and personal reinvention in modernist fiction.
- Establishing Truman Capote as a defining figure in mid-20th-century American literature.
- Serving as a template for later works in the literary fiction genre.

## Body
### Literary Context
*Breakfast at Tiffany's* was written by Truman Capote, an American author known for his innovative blend of fiction and journalism. Capote’s work in this novella is characterized by its stylistic experimentation, which later became a hallmark of modernist literature. The novella is set in New York City and follows the life of Holly Golightly, a character who embodies the spirit of the modern, sophisticated woman navigating the complexities of urban life.

### Publication and Reception
The novella was published in 1958 by Random House, an American general-interest trade book publisher. It received critical acclaim for its exploration of urban alienation and personal reinvention. The work’s success led to its adaptation into a major motion picture starring Audrey Hepburn, further cementing its place in popular culture.

### Adaptation and Cultural Impact
The 1961 film adaptation of *Breakfast at Tiffany's* starring Audrey Hepburn became a major cultural success. Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly brought the character to a global audience, making the novella a classic of American literature. The film’s influence on fashion, music, and filmmaking further solidified the novella’s legacy.

### Truman Capote’s Legacy
Truman Capote’s contributions to literature extend beyond *Breakfast at Tiffany's*. He is also known for pioneering the nonfiction novel with *In Cold Blood* (1966), which redefined the boundaries between journalism and literature. Capote’s work in playwriting, screenwriting, and journalism further expanded his influence on American letters.

### Awards and Recognition
Truman Capote received the O. Henry Award for his contributions to short fiction. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and was posthumously honored with the Truman Capote Award for Literary Criticism. These accolades reflect his enduring impact on the literary world.

### Influence on Modern Literature
*Breakfast at Tiffany's* has had a profound influence on modern literature, inspiring generations of writers to explore the intersection of fiction and journalism. The novella’s themes of urban alienation and personal reinvention continue to resonate with readers, ensuring its place as a classic of American literature.

### Related Works and Adaptations
In addition to the film adaptation, *Breakfast at Tiffany's* has been the subject of numerous analyses, essays, and documentaries. Its influence extends to other works of literary fiction and has been studied in academic circles as a model of modernist storytelling.

### Conclusion
*Breakfast at Tiffany's* remains a defining work of American literature, celebrated for its innovative approach to storytelling and its enduring cultural impact. Truman Capote’s contributions to the literary world continue to shape the field, ensuring that his work remains relevant to readers and scholars alike.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute