In Cold Blood Q&a

Q: How did Capote use imagery & irony to heighten the effect of the murders?

A: Truman Capote uses imagery and irony to heighten the effect of the Clutter murders by describing Dick Hickock and Perry Smith in the aftermath of their crime. Capote has restrained from recounting exactly how the massacre took place, so by stating Smith's boots were 'soaking in a washbasin filled with warm, vaguely pink-tinted water', readers are given the gruesome picture of a bloody death, mounting suspense in the novel. Next, the author takes readers to the Hickock home, where Dick has returned for Sunday dinner. Imagery is used in this section as well, when the house is described as a 'modest farmhouse', similar to that of the Clutter's. The only difference between the two families is the amount of money each had. It is almost nastily ironic that even after his assistance in the Clutter murders, Dick is able to not only associate with his family and eat a meal, but also kiss his mother as if nothing had occurred, when mere hours ago he watched another mother, Bonnie Clutter, die. Truman Capote's use of imagery and irony at this time in the novel capture his audience, leaving them to ponder how the Clutter family died, and enhancing the effect of their murder.

Q: How was the Kansas City Star article relevant?

A: The inclusion of an article from the Kansas City Star and Perry's immediate reaction to it are present in Capote's novel for the purpose of showing readers Perry Smith's disposition in the aftershock of the Clutter murders. The article itself gives readers a recap of the violent killing and ambiguity detectives have in the motive and identity of the killer or killers. This should have been reassuring to Perry; however, he remains suspicious, stating 'I don't believe it... this no clue stuff.' Furthermore, readers also gain insight to the remorse Perry Smith feels. Whether it's regret for his actions or because he is scared of being found out, is debatable. Unlike Dick, he is unable to eat, and continues to discuss the crime. The last thing one is able to conclude from Perry's reaction to the article is his strong belief in education when he corrects the newspaper's grammar. Thanks to Capote's addition of the article, readers are given the chance to learn about the complex charisma of Perry Smith.

Q: What was Capote's tone in the novel?

A: The author's tone in this section of In Cold Blood is mourning. Truman Capote utilizes descriptive language in his writing to capture the emotion of his audience in the death of the Clutter family. Previously in the novel, Capote had introduced Mr. Clutter as a man who ate an apple every day, and the orchard as his 'patch of paradise, the green, apple-scented