"Truman Capote I do not know well, but I like him. He is tart as a grand aunt, but in his way is a ballsy little guy, and he is the most perfect writer of my generation, he writes the best sentences word for word, rhythm upon rhythm. I would not have changed two words in Breakfast at Tiffany’s which will become a small classic." (Norman Mailer)

Capote difficulty time coming up with an ending to the novel and it took him longer than he expected to finish it, but he finally did in the spring of 1958. He also signed a deal with the magazine Harper’s Bazaar entitling them to publish it before the book came out. Unfortunately they tried to get Capote to omit the four-letter words and the way that Holly made her living from sex. Capote was of course outraged and refused to change a word.

• With a partner, rewrite Norman Mailer's appreciation in more formal English
• Did Capote have any problems publishing the novel?
• Why was Capote "outraged"?

Talk to your partner about the following questions

What can you remember about the woman in the picture

What kind of relationship does Paul have with her?

Do you think that will change after what has happened between him and Holly?

How do you think Paul will "break the news"?

1. "If this is going to be a serious discussion, you're going to................................"
2. "You're a very stylish girl. Can't we................. ................................"
3. "Who is it? A waitress? A sales girl? No. She'd have to................................ ............................................? Someone who could help you."
4. "Curiously enough, she's a girl who can't ........................................................ ......................... And that's a nice feeling for........................................"
5. "Don't look so................ You've seen me writing cheques before. Made........... ...........................................$100."
6. "Go away somewhere for a week. You're ................................... ..............Simply a matter of ...................................................., darling"
7. "Of course, if you were really smart, you'd ................................................... .................................................a union. That way, you'd get all the .............. ......................... hospitalisation, a pension plan and unemployment insurance when you're...how shall I ...................? .................................................... "
8. "When you get yourself........................................................................... try to find one ......................... that way you won't even ........................."

After Watching :