Who is Boaty in Answered Prayer?
Boaty is a character in Truman Capote's unfinished and controversial novel, Answered Prayers, who is a satirical portrayal of the real-life American editor and literary figure, George Davis.
The Inspiration Behind the Character
Truman Capote, known for his incisive portraits of high society, famously satirized George Davis in the character of Boaty. Davis was a prominent figure in the New York literary scene, having served as an editor for prestigious magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and as managing editor of Mademoiselle. He was also recognized for his involvement in theater and for his unique living situation in a communal house in Brooklyn Heights, often referred to as "February House."
Capote often drew heavily from his own life and acquaintances for his fiction, blurring the lines between reality and invention. The character of Boaty is a prime example of this technique, reflecting Capote's sharp wit and often critical eye towards those within his social circle.
Boaty's Place in Answered Prayers
Answered Prayers was intended by Capote to be his magnum opus, a tell-all novel exposing the private lives and scandals of the wealthy and famous socialites he befriended. However, the premature publication of excerpts, most notably the chapter "La Côte Basque, 1965," in Esquire magazine in 1975, led to widespread outrage and severe consequences for Capote.
- The Novel's Impact: The fictionalized, yet easily recognizable, accounts of his friends' secrets, affairs, and personal struggles caused a massive scandal among New York's elite. Many of Capote's closest friends, whom he affectionately called his "Swans," felt betrayed and subsequently ostracized him, leading to his social isolation and contributing to his personal decline.
- Boaty's Significance: Within this explosive narrative, Boaty serves as another example of Capote's practice of inserting real individuals into his fiction. While not at the center of the novel's most scandalous revelations, Boaty's presence underscores the book's controversial nature and Capote's unfiltered approach to depicting the lives of his contemporaries.
Truman Capote's Literary Strategy
Capote's decision to include easily identifiable figures like George Davis (as Boaty) in Answered Prayers was a defining characteristic of his later literary work. This bold, confrontational style cemented his reputation as a daring and provocative writer, albeit one whose work came at a high personal cost.
| Feature of Boaty | Corresponding Real-Life Aspect (George Davis) |
|---|---|
| Fictional character | Real person who was satirized |
| Appears in Answered Prayers | Basis for the character in Answered Prayers |
| A satirical portrayal | An editor and significant literary figure |
