How Does Capote's Life Reflect His Work?

Capote had the ability to switch between different writing styles, and it is clear that his early life influenced his early writing.

Before the later half of Capote's career had started off, Capote dabbled in the film industry. Biography notes, "In 1953, Capote landed some film work. He wrote some of Stazione Termini (later released as Indiscretion of an American Wife in the United States), which starred Jennifer Jones and Montgomery Clift. His best screenplay, was done years later when he adapted the Henry James novel The Turn of the Screw into The Innocents (1961)." (A&E Network, "his Career highlights" para. 4). Breakfast at Tiffany's was another popular novella that was published later in Capote's career. Capote was praised yet again

From his rearing and all the way to his rise fame, Capote injected his personal thoughts and feelings into his work. His mother most likely had a great influence on his attitude, as well as the environment that he was reared in. Being raised in a broken home, Capote most likely felt alone and neglected and very lonesome through much of his life. Capote developed a hardy friendship with a girl, who would eventually become a world-famous writer, "His closest friends at this time were an elderly cousin, Miss Sook Faulk, and a neighboring tomboy, Harper Lee (1926–). She later became an award-winning author herself, writing To Kill a Mockingbird. Both friends appear as characters in Capote's early fiction." (Advameg, "The Young Man" para. 2). While it is true that Capote's life impacted his writings, his writing also significantly impacted him. Capote's rise to fame and addiction to popularity were not the only factors that led him to drug addiction, but also his extensive work on In Cold Blood.

"While In Cold Blood brought him acclaim and wealth, Capote was never the same after the project. Digging into such dark territory had taken a toll on him psychologically and physically. Known to drink, Capote began drinking more and started taking tranquilizers to soothe his frayed nerves. His substance abuse problems escalated over the coming years." (A&E Network "In Cold Blood" para. 5).

Capote left a large impression on western writing, and while his literary works received mixed critical reviews throughout his life, his controversial writing and his unique approach to nonfiction has left a legacy for those who follow in his