The value of art often increases when an artist is linked to troubled or controversial aspects of their life. Historical figures like Van Gogh, who famously cut off his own ear, and Edgar Allan Poe, who married his young cousin, exemplify how personal struggles can heighten public fascination and appreciation for their work. Other artists, such as Manson and Hunter S. Thompson, have similarly drawn attention through their extreme behaviors and tragic narratives, leading audiences to regard their contributions to art and literature with heightened reverence.

In Matthew Quick's "Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock," this connection between personal turmoil and artistic legacy is explored as a theme. The mention of infamous behaviors, from Hemingway's unconventional childhood to Lady Gaga's shocking fashion statements, suggests that artists often become symbols of their struggles. The blurring line between an artist’s life and their work serves as a reminder of how societal perceptions of tragedy and madness can influence the legacy and financial worth of their art.