The fifth episode of Feud: Capote vs. the Swans gives the audience a glimpse of who Truman Capote (played by Tom Hollander) was. With the revelations from this episode, we wonder if Truman Capote was misunderstood.
Spoiler and Content Warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide and includes spoilers for Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, so proceed with caution.
Was Truman Capote Misunderstood in Real Life?
When Capote grew up in Alabama, he always felt like people misunderstood him. He also shared that people have always pegged him for something just because of how he walks and talks.
So, when he moved to New York, he suddenly became the center of attention, which intrigued him. He was also welcomed by high society and treated as their friend, so things were looking up for Capote.
ALSO READ: Who Plays Happy Rockefeller in Feud: Capote vs the Swans?
Why Did Capote Think about Suicide?
After his Esquire chapter was published, Capote earned the disrespect of his friends.
One woman who carried her disappointment in Capote to the grave was Babe Paley (played by Naomi Watts). After all, he held many of her secrets close to him.
So when the chapter was published, the husbands of the mentioned women got angry with Capote.
Babe's husband, Bill Paley (played by Treat Williams), told Capote to never call them again. He also said that the writer deserved to die.
As he carried Bill's words, Capote couldn't help but feel depressed for ruining his friendships.
This led him to attempt to overdose on several pills and alcohol. Thankfully, he did not have success in his suicide attempt.
RELATED: Babe Paley's Car Accident Story from Feud Explained: What Happened to Her?
Truman Originally Wanted to Go after the Men
Even though he held the secrets of the Swans, he did not intend to ruin them with his chapter. Instead, he focused on the men in the lives of these women, who were allegedly having several affairs.
Capote also revealed to James Baldwin (played by Chris Chalk) that the Swans had secrets of their own that would destroy them. He then shared that the women often made racist remarks.
He also accused the Swans of being terrible mothers since they were "too self-involved" to care about their children. Capote also shared that they saw their kids as "decorations" instead of family members.
Follow our Facebook page for more news coverage and other explainer articles.
READ NEXT: Did Truman Capote Really Eat a Swan as Implied by FX's Feud?
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!