In Cold Blood: Context & Writers Techniques

Context

Brief Biography of Truman Capote

Early Life:

• Truman Capote was born in New Orleans to a teenage mother. He was sent to live with his aunts and cousins in Monroeville, Alabama, at a young age, where he befriended Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Their friendship lasted throughout Capote's life. Career:

• Capote's first book, Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948), established him as a significant literary figure. Openly homosexual and highly theatrical, Capote became a well-known personality. In Cold Blood (1966) is often regarded as his crowning achievement.

  

Later Life:

• After the success of In Cold Blood, Capote spent the rest of his life working on an autobiographical "tell-all" book called Answered Prayers, which was never completed. Capote died of liver cancer, a complication of alcoholism, in 1984.

The Novel's History

• When and Where Written: In Cold Blood was written between 1959 and 1964 in the USA.
• Publication: The novel was published in 1966.
• Initial Reception: In Cold Blood received critical acclaim and is credited with pioneering the true crime genre, blending factual reporting with narrative techniques typical of fiction.

Literary Contexts

Historical and Political Context

• The Clutter Family Murders: The Clutter family murders took place in Holcomb, Kansas, in 1959. A small article about the homicides in the New York Times caught Capote's attention, prompting him to travel to Kansas with Harper Lee to investigate. Capote's in-depth involvement with the case, from the investigation to the execution of the killers, provides a comprehensive perspective on the crime.
• True Crime Genre: While In Cold Blood is often seen as a pioneering work in the novelization of true crime, it was preceded by works such as Edward Pearson's Studies in Murder (1924), Inspector Dew's I Caught Crippen (1938), and Jack Webb's The Badge (1958). Capote's work, however, stands out for its novelistic approach to factual events.

Cultural and Social Context

• Mid-20th Century America: The novel captures the social atmosphere of 1950s America, highlighting the ordinariness of the Clutter family and the shockwaves their murder sent through the community.
• Ethical Concerns: Capote's relationship with the killers, particularly Perry Smith, raises ethical questions about his role as a journalist and a storyteller. This moral ambiguity has been explored in various books and films about Capote's life and work.

Philosophical, Religious, and Intellectual Ideas

• Moral Ambiguity: Capote's portrayal of the killers, particularly Perry Smith, emphasizes the complexity of human nature and the thin line between good and evil. This ambiguity challenges readers to consider the motivations behind criminal behaviour.
• Truth and Fiction: In Cold Blood blurs the line between journalism and fiction, raising questions about the nature of truth and the ethical implications of narrating real-life events.

Useful Concepts to Be Aware of in the Novel

• Novelistic Techniques: Capote employs narrative techniques typical of fiction, such as detailed character development, a structured plot, and vivid descriptions, to create a compelling true crime story.
• Third-Person Omniscient POV: The novel uses a third-person omniscient perspective, allowing readers to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings of various characters, including the killers and the victims.
• Ethical Journalism: The ethical implications of Capote's relationship with the killers and his method of gathering information raise important questions about the responsibilities of journalists and writers.
• Cultural Impact: The novel had a significant impact on the true crime genre and has inspired numerous adaptations and analyses. Understanding its influence on subsequent true crime narratives can provide deeper insight into its lasting legacy.
• Historical Accuracy: While the novel is based on true events, Capote's creative embellishments and narrative techniques have sparked discussions about the balance between factual reporting and storytelling.

Writer's Techniques

Structure and Plot

Nonlinear Structure

• The narrative of In Cold Blood is not told in a strictly chronological order.
• Capote frequently uses flashbacks to provide background on the Clutters, as well as Perry Smith and Dick Hickok. This technique creates a layered and suspenseful narrative.

Interwoven Storylines

• Capote interweaves the storylines of the Clutter family and their murderers, shifting perspectives between the victims and the killers.
• This approach builds tension and deepens the reader's understanding of both the victims and the perpetrators.

Detailed Scene Descriptions

• The plot is built around detailed scene descriptions, which add to the realism and immersive quality of the narrative.
• Capote meticulously reconstructs events leading up to and following the murders, grounding the reader in the reality of the crime.

Language and Style

Journalistic Approach

• Capote employs a journalistic style, combining factual reporting with the narrative techniques of a novel.
• This style enhances the realism of the story, making the events feel immediate and impactful.

Detailed Characterisation

• Capote uses detailed characterisation to bring the people involved in the crime to life.
• He delves into the psychology and backgrounds of the characters, providing a nuanced portrayal of both the victims and the murderers.

Use of Dialogue

• Dialogue is used extensively to reveal character traits and advance the plot.
• The conversations between characters add depth and realism, allowing readers to understand their motivations and emotions.

Symbols

The Golden Parrot

• Perry Smith often envisions a golden parrot that rescues him from harm, symbolising his desire for salvation and escape.
• The parrot represents Perry's yearning for a better life and his belief in a personal form of redemption.

Two Gray Cats

• Perry notices two grey cats scavenging for food, which he likens to his own life of scavenging and survival.
• The cats symbolise the marginalised existence that Perry leads, constantly on the fringes of society.

The Clutter Family Home

• The Clutter family home symbolises the American Dream, representing success, stability, and familial harmony.
• Its violent desecration by the murderers underscores the fragility of this ideal and the disruptive impact of senseless violence.