Rusty Trawler’s Convenient Match

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Rusty’s dependence on Holly’s attention gives way to marriage with Mag, while the shift exposes the transactional nature of his social circle.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Party Host The Party Host from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". A Millionaire in the Room Taking Charge Rusty Trawler shakes drinks, makes introductions, and follows Holly’s requests.

The Party Host from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". A Millionaire in the Room Taking Charge Rusty Trawler shakes drinks, makes introductions, and follows Holly’s requests.

A Millionaire in the Room Taking Charge Rusty Trawler shakes drinks, makes introductions, and follows Holly’s requests. His social importance is evident, but he also behaves like a dependent child seeking approval. Holly’s Management She directs him gently and gets him to return to his chores. Their interaction suggests that he enjoys being controlled as much as he enjoys her attention.

A Suitor’s Fantasy A Suitor’s Fantasy from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The Rich Man’s Attachment A Question of Love Rusty asks Holly whether she loves him, and she replies that people can make themselves love anyone.

A Suitor’s Fantasy from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The Rich Man’s Attachment A Question of Love Rusty asks Holly whether she loves him, and she replies that people can make themselves love anyone.

The Rich Man’s Attachment A Question of Love Rusty asks Holly whether she loves him, and she replies that people can make themselves love anyone. She also points to his unhappy childhood. A Practical Arrangement Holly acknowledges that his wealth could help finance a life in Mexico. Her frankness makes clear that affection and material security are intertwined in her thinking.

A Winter Journey A Winter Journey from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Shared Travel The Group Goes South Rusty travels with Holly, Mag, and José during the winter.

A Winter Journey from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Shared Travel The Group Goes South Rusty travels with Holly, Mag, and José during the winter.

Shared Travel The Group Goes South Rusty travels with Holly, Mag, and José during the winter. Accidents and hospital stays complicate the trip, while Holly and José find opportunities to travel separately. A Social Bond, Not a Promise The journey places Rusty close to Holly without making him her chosen partner. His attachment does not prevent her from imagining other futures.

Marriage to Mag Marriage to Mag from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The Wedding Headline A Sudden Announcement The narrator sees news that Rusty has married a beautiful woman from Arkansas and assumes Holly is the bride.

Marriage to Mag from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The Wedding Headline A Sudden Announcement The narrator sees news that Rusty has married a beautiful woman from Arkansas and assumes Holly is the bride.

The Wedding Headline A Sudden Announcement The narrator sees news that Rusty has married a beautiful woman from Arkansas and assumes Holly is the bride. He is relieved to discover that the bride is Mag. A Change in Status Mag becomes Rusty’s wife, securing wealth and prominence. Their marriage gives her a new position while leaving Holly’s plans unrelated to his fortune.

The Closed Door The Closed Door from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Respectability Takes Priority A Call for Help The narrator asks Rusty’s household to help Holly after her arrest.

The Closed Door from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Respectability Takes Priority A Call for Help The narrator asks Rusty’s household to help Holly after her arrest.

Respectability Takes Priority A Call for Help The narrator asks Rusty’s household to help Holly after her arrest. Mag answers and angrily rejects any connection between their names and Holly. The Price of Distance Rusty and Mag’s new social standing depends on avoiding scandal. Their refusal exposes how quickly former companions can become liabilities.

At Holly’s autumn apartment party

During that same party

Several months after the party

During the summer after Doc visits

On the night of Holly’s arrest