
Independence is a highly significant characteristic that people take pride in. Their actions and their attitude around others also describe their independence. In Gay Talese’s “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold”, Sinatra portrays his independence by focusing the spotlight on him and the crowd he attracts. He possesses a strong presence everywhere he goes, and he always dresses immaculately during the wildest of nights. The audience can observe that Sinatra’s independence also influences the people who he interacts with. This reveals the loyalty he has gained through his peers. By looking at the authoritative symbols Sinatra’s peers and the author give him, the public setting he is encompassed in, and the serious tone emitting from the story, it is evident that Sinatra’s independence is a characteristic that he, himself takes pride in. 

First is to look at the setting Talese describes when he was investigating Sinatra, to showcase Sinatra’s independence and how the setting attributed to it. Sinatra has restaurants he frequents all around the US, and the world. One of the restaurants mentioned in the story is Jilly’s in Manhattan, New York, “there is a special chair reserved for…” Sinatra located in the back of the room, a chair “that nobody else may use” (Talese, 3). The chair signifies his position in the establishment, he is given a large view to observe his surroundings which lets him execute his actions. There is a long table situated in front of the chair, that’s “flanked by his closest New York friends…nclude[ing] the saloonkeeper, Jilly Rizzo, and…his wife, Honey” (Talese, 3). This scene displays Frank Sinatra at the center of attention, surrounded by important people where only they interact with Sinatra while no one else dares come close. His self-rule shines through acting as a beacon, drawing people in but never physically touching. Talese also describes a “strange ritualistic scene” that develops at the saloon, people come in or stay outside trying to get a glimpse of Sinatra. “They approached it like a shrine. They had come to pay respect.” (Talese, 3). Wherever Sinatra resides is considered a holy site, Sinatra has that influence on the crowd to make them act strangely. Sinatra’s independent attitude affects the environment the people are in, giving them a reliable character they can depend on, trust, and stay loyal to. 

In addition to setting, how Talese symbolizes Sinatra illustrates his independence and the influences it has on his peers around him. “Frank Sinatra is Il Padrone” or the Boss, an iconic name that steels your nerves and sets fear into you (Talese, 4). For Frank Sinatra, Il Padrone is a name people refer to him by because of how his circle treats him and how he treats them. Talese delivers some background info where in “traditional Sicily [leaders] have long been called uomini rispettati – men of respect”, in similarity this is how Sinatra is treated (Talese, 4). Talese describes the men to be “majestic and humble”, “loved by all and are very generous by nature”, “men whose hands are kissed as they walk”, and “personally go out of their way to redress a wrong” (Talese, 4). Sinatra’s independence can only be contributed by the people who has done good deeds for him, where in return he will do the same. While good deeds can be done, Sinatra is a human being and can act out on his rage whenever provoked. This same person can “explode in a towering rage of intolerance” should anything be done incorrectly for him “by one of his paisanos”, he is indeed independent but contrary to this trait he is strict with his rules (Talese, 4). Talese reiterates that Frank Sinatra “is Il Padrone” solidifying his leadership in the story. Later on in the story, Sinatra was called Pope by his friend Silvani when Sinatra ordered him to escort his daughter Nancy home after the movie set. This strengthens Sinatra’s independent behavior carrying out responsibilities and seeing to the well being of his daughter. Such assertive names “Il Padrone” and “uomini rispettati” or a holy name “Pope” defines Sinatra’s independent character in this short story, allowing the reader to visualize how he treats his “brothers”.

Third is the serious tone set into the story, Talese portrays Sinatra as an independent, hardworking man who’s passionate about his work. As it is said in the title “Frank Sinatra has a cold” causes an issue with his voice, disrupting his schedule, and making Sinatra to be in a foul mood. Sinatra takes care of his voice very seriously, as it is the epitome of his whole career and what truly makes him Frank Sinatra. As Talese said “he is extremely serious about his recording sessions…”, in an interview with a British writer Frank Sinatra said “once you’re on that record singing, it’s you and you alone”, this showcases the responsibility Sinatra puts on himself when dealing with music (Talese, 23). Sinatra also had other productions included in his schedule, he had to film a movie Assault on a Queen, film a documentary of himself and his music on CBS, he also had to film a show on NBC Sinatra – A Man and His Music, it was solely him singing his hit songs. He was a busy man who did whatever he wanted to do and completed them to his abilities. He was also serious about his family and love life. He cared deeply for his parents, presenting them with a new 16-room house in New Jersey for their fiftieth wedding anniversary. He was also on good terms with his ex wives, Nancy Barbatos and Ava Gardner, he would occasionally stop by and visit Nancy and called Ava from time to time. He loved his children dearly, even though he was strict on them until the age that they had they’re own children. Sinatra’s daughter, Nancy, was on the same set in a different studio recording for a movie, and when she was leaving for home, he called for one of his paisanos to escort her home safely. 

In conclusion, Gay Talese portrays Frank Sinatra as an independent character who influences a wide majority of people during his time. The reader is able to notice his independence by viewing the setting Sinatra places himself in, surrounded by the same people in different locations. The reader gets more of an understanding as to how people respect his independence and dedicate themselves to his every need, the same goes for himself to meet their needs. It is also in the serious tone emitted from the story when Talese narrates his observation of Sinatra. How Talese conveys Sinatra’s independence by picturing Sinatra in all of these situations. 
