Significance of Swans

The “Swans” in The Swans of Fifth Avenue represent the elite, sophisticated socialites whom Truman Capote befriends and ultimately betrays. Aloof, graceful, social, and exquisite, swans have always been seen as one of nature's most perfect creatures. With their long necks, they give the appearance of being delicate. However, if threatened, swans are vicious and extremely dangerous. They are surprisingly strong and can inflict lethal damage upon other animals and humans alike. Such are the characters in the world of Benjamin's novel. In his childlike way, Truman sees these ladies as swans and himself as The Ugly Duckling, who only has to wait for his own transformation.