The Swans of Fifth Avenue

As much as the swans present the appearance of beauty, wealth, and fame as if it comes to them effortlessly, the novel continuously exposes the costs of remaining in this world. Nearly all of the swans, along with Truman and Ann Woodward, have engaged in shrewd self-invention and social climbing to get to their positions, and it is not always as fulfilling as they thought it would be. Elegance is effort, but it also means erasing the signs of that effort, as Babe possesses “bottles of makeup devoid of any trace of fingerprints or smudges” (50).

Beauty, wealth, and fame bring the swans and Truman together. Truman once asks Babe:

[W]hat’s wrong with beauty being noticed? What’s wrong with attraction based on appearance, if it leads to so much more, as it has done with us? Would you have wanted to know me if I’d not been famous? If I’d not looked interesting? (410).

Truman concedes that “appearance” brought them together, but he claims the superficial connection created a deeper link. Truman’s thoughts and feelings counter his claim. While he makes a deep bond with Babe, beauty, wealth, and fame don’t fulfill him or the other swans.