Scott, Bede. “On Superficiality: Truman Capote and the Ceremony of Style.” JML: Journal of Modern Literature.
The article centers on the protagonist’s quest for freedom in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” outlining the main symbolic elements of the specified theme. By pointing out Holly’s desire for liberation as one of the main aspects of the novel, the author emphasizes the stylistic choices that Capote made when creating the character.
The focus on the fine details of the novel and how Capote structured the character of Holly Golightly is one of the article’s strengths. Scott performs a meticulous analysis of what makes the protagonist’s claim for freedom especially compelling by pointing out the contrast between her need to be liberated and the position in which she is trapped. However, the article lacks focus on the use of evidence that supports the author’s statements. Although the small number of substantial quotes could be attributed to the readers’ familiarity with the source material, it would be a welcome addition to the paper and its thesis statement.
Overall, the article provides the basis for further research and establishes the key themes, the issue of liberation, and the feeling of being trapped as the main motifs of the story. Being a scholarly source and a credible article, it adds an important and valuable perspective to the overall understanding of Holly’s character.
Nayar, Kavita I. “Sam Wasson: Fifth Avenue, 5 am: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman.” Basingstoke.
In her article, Nayar provides an overview of Wasson’s interpretation of the cinematic version of Capote’s famous novel. Specifically, the author comments on the transformation of the image of a woman in modern cinema, pointing to the ostensible loss of agency. The author mentions the free-spirited nature of the protagonist as one of the key aspects of the movie.
The detailed psychological assessment of the transformation of women in cinema constitutes the main strength of the article. However, the author could have used a more nuanced way of looking at Holly’s character in terms of her agency as it was represented through symbolism. The article can be used to explore the psychological aspects of the character’s desire to break free, as well as the symbolic hints at the specified state mentioned in the novel.