Background This short story written more than 50 years ago came to light for the first time when Gerald Clarke Truman Capotes biographer was preparing a collection of his letters due out along with The Complete Stories later this month ID: 1029066
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1. The BargainTruman Capote
2. BackgroundThis short story, written more than 50 years ago, came to light for the first time when Gerald Clarke, Truman Capote's biographer, was preparing a collection of his letters (due out, along with "The Complete Stories," later this month). In a letter dated May 15, 1950, Capote, who was 25 and had already published his first novel, "Other Voices, Other Rooms," wrote that he had just finished a new story -- The Bargain." The story disappeared from view, however, and was apparently lost. It was discovered earlier this year in the archives of the New York Public Library, where it had been filed along with the rest of the personal papers found after his death in 1984. As far as anyone knows, the last unpublished story by Truman Capote.
3. Historical AccuracyThe after-effects of the Second World War were still ongoing, for instance many goods were still being rationed in the early 1950s. Sugar was rationed until 1953 and meat only came off ration a year later.Ordinary families had little spare money for treats like cinema trips and holidays. Before most homes had televisions, people spent their spare time listening to the radio or reading the newspaper; they played board games rather than computer games; and in place of the selection of fast food outlets we have to choose from, they had a takeaway from the local fish and chip shop. The 1950s family home was also very different from our own. Housework was much more difficult, as for example people did their washing by hand, instead of in a machine, and with refrigerators being a luxury item for most people, food had to be bought daily. It was less common for married women to work and many took on the childcare and housework, while their husbands went to work.
4. ClassworkDiscuss the idea of dependence vs. independence in the short story “The Bargain.” Compare and contrast the two relationships. Why do you think the Chase’s relationship lasted while Severn’s relationship did not last?What message is Capote trying to send?