in cold blood essay

In Cold Blood Truman Capote

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In Cold Blood Essays

In cold blood: retaining the reader's interest through suspense and tension amit momaya, in cold blood.

In modern literature, suspense and tension are almost essential in producing works that are both successful and interesting to the reader. These two aspects of literature are especially important in Truman Capote's novel, In Cold Blood, which...

The Narrator's Perspective in True Crime Books Timothy Sexton

In Cold Blood, All the President's Men and Midnight in the Garden of Good of Evil all deal with real-life crimes. Each of the authors takes a different approach to point of view, depending upon their unique relationships to the setting in which...

Perry Smith's Culpability in 'In Cold Blood' Anonymous 12th Grade

In Truman Capote’s nonfiction novel, In Cold Blood, Perry Smith and Dick Hickcock were convicted of murdering the entire Clutter Family. When proven guilty, both Perry and Dick were sentenced to death. Though Perry had been the one to murder the...

The Art of Manipulation Truman Capote 11th Grade

Famous novelist, Truman Capote, in his non-fiction book, In Cold Blood , recounts the murders of the Clutter family committed by Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. Although this book is considered non-fiction, critics have questioned the authenticity of...

Truman Capote: A Child's True Nature in "Miriam" Anonymous 11th Grade

Two people, one name: an inconspicuous, plain woman versus a poised young girl. A line is drawn between imagination and reality, but that line is blurred. In "Miriam" by Truman Capote, symbolism is incorporated to show that Mrs. Miller is living...

Is In Cold Blood a Polemic Against Capital Punishment? Anonymous 11th Grade

Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood is critically acclaimed as a masterful portrayal of American crime and is known for the introduction of the concept of a “nonfiction novel.” At such crossroads of true events and storytelling, many criticisms can be...

How to Parent a Murderer Anonymous 11th Grade

By juxtaposing the childhoods of Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, Truman Capote shows that although a solid family structure is the most important influence on a person’s character, it is ultimately up to each person to decide what his actions will...

A Lurid Falsification Anonymous 11th Grade

In the 1950's and 1960's, the concept of the nuclear family was a personification of the American dream, the illusion of the perfect life, the perfect wife and the perfect children, all living in a model community. With four staccato shotgun...

Character Development in In Cold Blood: From the Clutters to Their Killers Anonymous 11th Grade

A majority of the world would agree that random murder is unethical and deserving of severe punishment- especially if this murder is done to an innocent, kind family. However, there is a great debate over the extent of punishment which random...

How Truman Capote Captures the Zeitgeist of America in the 1950s and 1960s Anonymous 12th Grade

Yoko Ono once described the 1960’s as an era of release from the conventional bonds of society. To understand fully the rejection of society in the 1960’s, one must also evaluate society of the 1950’s. Truman Capote not only captures the essence...

In Cold Blood as Experimental Nonfiction Dao Ngoc Vu 11th Grade

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote reconstructs the Clutter family murder and investigation case into what Capote calls a “nonfiction novel,” an experimental type of journalism that combines the fluidity and continuity of a novel with the facts and...

Capote’s Bias and Fairness: An Analysis of In Cold Blood Sarah Dempsey 12th Grade

Nonfiction novels are a genre of book that employ all devices of a fictional piece, however all of the information is completely factual. Though legitimate, the integrity of the writer still can be called into question, depending on the portrayal...

In Cold Blood Rhetorical Analysis as Anti Capital Punishment Ray M. Bartlett 10th Grade

Through the use of a carefully chosen epigraph, organization, a non authoritative presence, embellishment, researching the character’s backgrounds, and pathos, Truman Capote is able to tell the story of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith in great detail...

In Cold Blood: Gender Roles Between Dick Hickock and Perry Smith Anonymous College

In our society—past and present, gender norms have presented themselves in a moderately strict frame of which personality traits are to be expected from males and females. In past traditional expectations regarding gender, it was the women’s role...

The American Dream and Dick and Perry's downfall Anonymous 12th Grade

Truman Capote’s ‘In Cold Blood’, highly contested for its scathing depiction of 1960’s American society is renowned for its portrayal and characterization of the permeating theme; The American Dream. It seeps into all facets of society and impedes...

The Secret Behind the Great American Dream Jenny Xu 10th Grade

In Cold Blood begins with a death of the Clutters family, whose lives are ended with gunshots. The killers are 2 men with different backgrounds, characteristics, and reasons to kill. Capote first depicts the whole event in mystery and he exposes...

The Theme of Morality Jonathan Dodson 12th Grade

The non-fiction novel ‘In Cold Blood’ depicts the true story of multiple murders that took place in the small farming town of Holcomb, Kansas in 1959. Capote – the author and narrator of this text provides a wealth of knowledge surrounding the...

Idealization of the Clutters Isabel Sebode 11th Grade

The novel ‘In Cold Blood’ by Truman Capote is a work of Fictional Journalism, otherwise known as ‘faction’ or ‘the non-fiction novel’. Initially, this might make it difficult to judge whether Capote tried to influence the reader’s opinion on the...

Capote's Presentation of the Murderer's Families Anonymous 12th Grade

Capote presents the murderer’s families as somewhat complicated as he researches them to try and find the motive. As a journalist writing a faction novel, his accounts of the families mostly come from them first-hand – however, he never mentions...

The Role of Fate: 'In Cold Blood' and the Question of Free Will Anthony Tran College

Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood is a nonfiction novel which seeks to understand the reasons leading to the tragic murders of the Clutter family. Whilst Capote does not endeavour to downplay the atrocities committed by Perry Smith and Dick Hickock,...

The Role of Setting in Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood”

How it works

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Holcomb as an Idealized Community
• 3 The Clutter Family’s Farm as a Microcosm
• 4 The Broader Kansas Landscape
• 5 The Impact of Setting on Reader’s Perception
• 6 Conclusion

Introduction

Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood” is a big deal in true crime books. It goes into great detail about the 1959 murders of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas. Holcomb isn’t just the place where it all happened; it’s a key part that shapes the story, themes, and characters. This small, quiet town with its close-knit community and peaceful vibe makes the crime seem even more shocking. It’s like the calm before a storm, making everything more intense.

In this essay, I’ll look at how Capote uses the setting to boost the story, highlight themes, and help us understand the characters better.

Holcomb as an Idealized Community

Holcomb, Kansas, comes across as the typical American small town. It’s simple, friendly, and feels pretty safe. Capote paints a detailed picture of the town and its people, giving us a sense of calm and order. He says, “Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call ‘out there.'” This shows Holcomb as isolated but close-knit, making the crime feel even more out of place. The setting makes the shock and disbelief after the murders even stronger since such a terrible thing seems impossible in a place like Holcomb. This perfect image of the town also makes the themes of innocence and loss stand out more as the community deals with their broken sense of safety and trust.

The Clutter Family’s Farm as a Microcosm

The Clutter family’s farm, River Valley Farm, stands for the American Dream—hard work, success, and family ties. Capote’s detailed look at the farm and the Clutter home makes the victims feel more real, making their loss hit harder. The farm is described as “the property of Herbert William Clutter, and nothing like it exists for a thousand miles.” This uniqueness shows the family’s hard work and their strong bond to the land. The farm’s orderly and well-kept look contrasts sharply with the chaos of the murders. This difference not only makes the tragedy feel worse but also highlights how fragile life is, no matter how safe and successful it seems.

The Broader Kansas Landscape

Capote also uses the wider Kansas landscape to add to the story. The vast, open plains and tough environment reflect the isolation and emptiness felt by the killers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock. Capote’s descriptions of their journey through the empty Kansas landscape mirror their inner emptiness and moral decline. For example, the “immense sky” and the “endless wheat fields” show the emptiness and pointlessness of their lives. The setting becomes a symbol of the hollow lives that push them to crime. Plus, the plain, unadorned Kansas landscape strips away any romantic ideas about crime, showing it in its raw, ugly truth.

The Impact of Setting on Reader’s Perception

Capote’s use of setting changes how readers see the crime and what comes after. By placing the story in the real world of Holcomb and its surroundings, Capote makes everything feel real and urgent. His detailed, almost news-like descriptions make readers feel like they’re part of the town, sharing in the shock and grief. This immersive setting also makes readers feel empathy for the victims and their families and helps them understand the social and psychological issues at play. The mix of the peaceful setting with the brutal crime creates a strong contrast, forcing readers to think about the complexities of human nature and the potential for evil, even in the nicest places.

To wrap it up, the setting of Holcomb, Kansas, and its surrounding areas is key in Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood.” The town’s peaceful look and the Clutter family’s successful farm make a strong contrast with the horrible crime, making the sense of loss and tragedy even stronger. The wider Kansas landscape mirrors the emptiness felt by the killers, adding depth to their characters. Through his detailed and vivid descriptions, Capote uses the setting to boost the story, highlight themes, and connect with readers on a deep emotional level. In the end, the setting in “In Cold Blood” isn’t just a background; it’s a crucial part that enriches the story and makes it more impactful.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — In Cold Blood — Truman Capote”s “In Cold Blood”: The Murder of the American Dream

Truman Capote"s "In Cold Blood": The Murder of The American Dream

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Nature vs. Nurture: “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote Essay

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Introduction

In Cold Blood is a non-fiction novel written in 1966 by an American writer Truman Capote. It describes the horrible murder that happened in 1959 in Kansas when all four members of the Clutter family were killed in their own house. However, the motives of this crime remained unclear as almost nothing was stolen.

Capote started to write his novel during the investigation – he wrote about how two criminals who had committed this crime, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, were caught, convicted, and hanged. At the same time, investigating the reasons for killing the members of the Clutter family, Capote addresses an essential issue of criminals’ tendencies and the origin of their violence. Thus, in In Cold Blood, using the examples of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, the author shows that both nature and nurture may determine violence. Dick was raised in a loving family, however, his violence was in his genes – he simply loved to kill. On the contrary, Perry is a sensitive man who was neglected, abused, and misunderstood since his childhood. Moreover, regardless of a committed crime, these sources determine the different attitudes of criminals toward it.

In In Cold Blood, Dick Hickock represents the position of nature and demonstrates that inherent characteristics and genes determine a person’s criminal tendencies regardless of his environment. Described as an American-style “good kid” with a face distorted by a car collision, Hickock has “the left eye being truly serpentine, with a venomous, sickly-blue squint that although it was involuntarily acquired, seemed nevertheless to warn of bitter sediment at the bottom of his nature” (Capote 39). Using vivid descriptions with metaphors and comparisons, Capote aims to demonstrate the contrast between a man’s conditions of life that formed the perception of him by other people and his genuine nature that probably became unleashed after an accident. At the same time, one of two sons raised in a loving family, Dick is described as a brilliant and smart student and “an outstanding athlete-always on the first team at school” (Capote 161). Although his family could not afford college, Hickock found a well-paid job with Santa Fe Railways and subsequently married. At the same time, while Dick’s nature took over him and he destroyed his own family through cheating and was sent to prison for committing crimes, his family still protected him. During the proceeding, his father said: “that boy has plenty of good inside him. If ever you seen him on a football field, if ever you seen him play with his children, you wouldn’t doubt me” (Capote 162). Thus, by contrasting Dick’s nurturing in love and affection and the conditions of his blissful childhood and adolescence with the details of a horrible crime committed by him and his attitude to it, the author demonstrates that the intention to kill derived from this person’s genes, or nature.

In turn, Perry Smith is presented as a person whose criminal tendencies are determined by the conditions of his nurturing. Perry grew up in a highly dysfunctional family, and since his childhood, he had faced violence, abuse, misunderstanding, and neglect moving between children’s shelters, orphanages, and detention homes where he was brutally beaten by nuns, nurses, and mistresses. Perry addressed people as highly evil, describing his experience in one of the shelters and a nurse’s actions in the following way: “what she used to do, she’d fill a tub with ice-cold water, put me in it, and hold me under till I was blue. Nearly drowned” (Capote 132). Describing his experience in detail, Perry showed that experiencing violence could become violence from his side as an only experience as his parents did not explain to him what was good and what was bad. At the same time, the author clearly states that Perry’s nature is different as the man is described as sensitive, intelligent, and talented, however, society limited his ability to grow and develop. For instance, Perry’s father did not allow him to go to school as he pursued his own egoistic interests to keep the boy as a servant. Perry wrote: “no education, because he didn’t want me to learn anything, only how to tote and carry for him. Dumb. Ignorant. That’s the way he wanted me to be” (Capote 181). In these words, it becomes clear that Perry started to realize what people in his environment did, how they raised and treated him, and how they limited his opportunities. Having the ability to go to school and probably enter college, Perry had all chances to avoid crime commitment. In turn, being neglected, abused, and misunderstood, he did not get life he genuinely deserved. Thus, Capote demonstrates that even a highly talented, sensitive, and peaceful man may become a criminal if he is raised in violence.

At the same time, regardless of crime commitment, the author shows that nature and nurture as sources determine different attitudes to illegal and immoral actions. Thus, Dick is guided by his desire to kill without paying attention to the family’s property to rob. Before a crime, he already knew that there would be no witnesses and did not want to wear stockings on his face to hide his identity. He told Perry: “ain’t that what I promised you, honey—plenty of hair on them-those walls?” (Capote 46). In these words, he stated that he wanted to be as violent as possible, and he indulged himself in killing. Moreover, after leaving the Clutters family’s house, he made jokes and did not feel any remorse – instead, he blamed Perry for being too sensitive when he started to doubt the righteousness of their actions. On the contrary, it is possible to say that Perry did not want to kill the Clutters. Being with Dick, “he was here, and embarked on the present errand, not because he wished to be but because fate had arranged the matter” – in particular, Perry wanted his friend, his former cellmate Willie-Jay who would be released in Kansas (Capote 50). This circumstance proves that Perry was not interested in crime commitment. However, his subsequent violence in the house of the Clutter family may also be explained by his nurturing and the environment in which he was raised. Perry was beaten, abused, neglected, and ignored – his opportunities were limited by his family and society, however, he could achieve a lot and avoid criminal activities. In this case, his dissatisfaction with life and its injustice was growing and finally released in the house of the Clatters. In other words, Perry did not have personal enmity toward them – instead, it is possible to say that he “killed” his parents, nurses, nuns, and peers who mistreated him.

Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood . Random House, 1966. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2023, December 5). Nature vs. Nurture: “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote. https://ivypanda.com/essays/nature-vs-nurture-in-in-cold-blood-by-truman-capote/

"Nature vs. Nurture: “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote." IvyPanda , 5 Dec. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/nature-vs-nurture-in-in-cold-blood-by-truman-capote/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Nature vs. Nurture: “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote'. 5 December.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Nature vs. Nurture: “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote." December 5, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/nature-vs-nurture-in-in-cold-blood-by-truman-capote/.

1. IvyPanda . "Nature vs. Nurture: “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote." December 5, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/nature-vs-nurture-in-in-cold-blood-by-truman-capote/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Nature vs. Nurture: “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote." December 5, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/nature-vs-nurture-in-in-cold-blood-by-truman-capote/.

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