Breakfast at Tiffany's Section 2
Summary
Instead of ringing Mr. Yunioshi's doorbell to let her into the house, Holly starts to ring the protagonist's. Even though she would ring in the early hours of the morning, he doesn't mind. The protagonist sees Holly in various places in town. One night he sees her at "21" at a table with four men. Another night he sees her outside of P.J. Clarke's Saloon with a group of Australian soldiers dancing her around while singing "Waltzing Matilda". The protagonist still has yet to actually make an acquaintance with Holly until a cool autumn night in September. She is outside of his window hiding from a man that she brought home with her, because he is a "biter." The protagonist and Holly carry on a conversation ranging from why she left home, to dating older men, to lesbian roommates to cleaning the house, to her visits to Sing Sing to see Sally Tomato.
Notes
- "21" (15) - A highly popular restaurant located in Midtown Manhattan.
- "Waltzing Matilda" (15) - Written in 1895 by poet and nationalist Banjo Paterson, "Waltzing Matilda" is Australia's most widely known song and has been popularly suggested as a potential national anthem many times.
- Picayunes (16) - A brand of cigarettes produced until the 1960's and known as "The Pride of New Orleans."
- Melba toast (16) - A type of toast that is very dry, crisp, and thinly-sliced. It is often served with soups and salads or topped with melted cheese.
- Cole Porter (16) - An American composer and songwriter noted for his sophisticated lyrics, clever rhymes, and complex form.
- Kurt Weill (16) - From Germany, Weill was a leading composer for the stage and a composer of concert works from the 1920's until his death in 1950.
- Oklahoma! (16) - The first musical play written by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Oklahoma! tells the story of cowboy Curly McLane and his romance with farmer girl Laurey Williams.
Commentary
Study Questions
1. Why did Miss Golightly start ringing the bell of the narrator?
2. When and why does Miss Golighly show up on the fire escape of the narrator?
3. At what age does Miss Golightly leave home?
4. Who is Fred: why does Miss Golightly ask if she may call the narrator by this name?
5. Why does Miss Golightly believe Thursdays are "gruesome"?
6. Who is Sally Tomato?
7. Who is Mr. O'Shaughnessy?