Introduction to “In Cold Blood”
”In Cold Blood” is a non-fiction novel, written by Truman Capote in 1966. The novel depicts a true story based on a brutal murder of Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959, it’s investigation, trial of the criminals and execution of offenders, Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith. Capote’s diligent research and unique narrative style integrate journalistic precision with his distinctive approach in constructing a vivid and haunting narrative of the events that unfolded in Kansas.
Capote took six years to write “In Cold Blood” along with his close friend and fellow writer Harper Lee, who helped him in collecting the data for the book. It leads to a very realistic depiction of the crime, the characters, and the world around them. Through realistic depiction of true events with the elements of fiction, the novel is considered as the most valuable works of the American literature.
Themes in “In Cold Blood”
1- The Nature of Evil
The nature and presence of evil is considered as one of the main themes of the novel. Capote focuses on the characters of the killers, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, to understand what motivates people to become killers. Thus, describing their characters in detail, the author raises the issue of whether evil belongs to the character’s nature or is developed during the course of one’s life.
Capote writes about Perry’s troubled past and abusive childhood:
“He was always thinking of things he wanted to do, but never did. His life was filled with schemes that never came true, things he’d like to have been but never was.” (Capote, 1966)
The excerpt indicates the Perry’s unrealized desires and ingrained frustrations. It reflects that his actions might emanates from a life of unfulfilled aspirations and abuse rather than inherent maliciousness.
Perry’s character has been portrayed as somewhat sympathetic. It shows a man who was clearly affected by his childhood and the environment he was brought up in. This portrayal is quite complex and undermines the concept of the evil character, implying that the man’s criminality is the result of his life’s misfortunes. The detailed account of Perry’s background that Capote provides allows readers to reflect on the nature of people and the events that may lead to such destructive actions.
2- The American Dream
The novel also captures the theme of the American dream and its frustration. The Clutter family represents the ideal of the American Dream: hardworking, prosperous and very much respected in their community. Their brutal murder shows how fragile this ideal can be and how easily it can be broken.
Capote describes the Clutters’ farm and their life:
“The master of River Valley Farm, Herbert William Clutter, was forty-eight years old and, as a result of hard work, a methodical mind, and the support of a loyal family, he had, in the words of a colleague, ‘done well.'”
The passage reflects the success of Herb Clutter and the fulfillment of the American Dream through hard work and resilience.
The prosperity of the Clutter family and their tragic death are set in contrast to each other, which emphasizes that the American Dream may be destroyed by acts of violence at any time. To this, Capote employs their story to question the existence of safety and stability that comes with the America dream pursuit. The Clutters’ story shows that even the happiest and the most comfortable lives can be shattered, implying that the American Dream is not exempt from the evil in people.
3- The Impact of Environment and Upbringing
Capote explores the factor – environment as well as upbringing that determines people’s actions and their fate. The contrast between the Clutter family and their killers emphasizes the role of determining one’s path in life.
The background of Perry Smith is explored in depth. This illustrates the significant impact of his troubled childhood:
“Perry Edward Smith, born in Huntington, Nevada, of Irish-Native American parentage, had spent half of his twenty-eight years in state institutions.” (Chapter 1)
Perry had a difficult childhood, which was comprised on the instability, abuse and neglect. In contrast, the Clutter family was an ideal Midwestern background. Capote observes that the criminal behavior of Perry is due to his difficult upbringing. The theme reflects that how intelligence, genetics and environment shape the lives of the people. The writer through discussing the detail description of Perry makes the reader to understand that how different circumstances change one’s fate.
4- The Role of Fate and Chance
The theme of the role of fate and chance is prevailing throughout the novel. It indicates the typically unforeseen, and therefore uncontrollable occurrence that influences the lives of the people.
Capote reflects on the seemingly arbitrary nature of the Clutter family’s fate:
“It is easy to ignore the rain if you have a raincoat. But if you have no raincoat, well, you might have to turn to theft to get one.” (Chapter 3)
This metaphor reinforces the concept that the fate of Clutter family was a result of random chance rather than any particular action. The meeting of Dick and Perry, their decision to rob the Clutters, and to murder them, all appear to be the result of circumstances. Capote portrays the idea that life is full of circumstances which may be rather unpredictable yet have a tremendous impact on the course of human lives. This theme focuses on the aspects represented by the uncertainty of life and instability of human life.
5- Justice and Moral Ambiguity
Justice and moral ambiguity are significant themes in the novel. Capote enunciates the complexities of the legal system and the ethical dilemmas encircling capital punishment.
The trial and execution of Dick and Perry are depicted with a focus on the moral questions they raise:
“Nancy Clutter is always in my thoughts. And I think about her a lot and about what happened that night and what it did to her. And sometimes it feels like a debt to be paid, the guilt and the horror of it.” (Chapter 4)
Capote skillfully portrays Dick and Perry trial and their execution in a way that indicates the moral complexities involved. The justification of the death penalty for their crimes is incontestably at the very core of this theme. Capote’s description of Perry invites sympathy and raises questions about the fairness of his execution, especially when he was a psychopath. This theme raises the readers’ awareness of the ethical standpoint of the justice system and the theory of reformation and vengeance.
6- Mental Illness
The theme of mental illness has been elaborately developed in the novel, especially in relation to the character of Perry Smith. Capote brings out the effects of mental diseases on one’s criminal nature and the world’s handling of them.
Perry’s psychological state is described in depth, illustrating his inner turmoil:
“He felt all hope burning away in the hot flames of his memories.” (Chapter 2)
Perry’s mental illness has been portrayed through his peculiar behavior, aggressiveness, and desolation throughout the novel. The insight exploration of Capote regarding psychological state of Perry gives a link between the mental health and criminal behavior. The novel provokes profound concerns regarding the conditions of the mentally ill people within a criminal justice system to which they are responsible for their actions. This theme stresses the concern and type of social attitudes toward the given mental disorder.
7- The Power of the Media
The power of the media is one of the important theme in the novel. It works an important tool to shape the public perception and the narrative surrounding the murders of the Clutter family.
Capote describes the media frenzy that surrounds the case:
“The local paper, in its attempts to keep its readers abreast of events, published three extra editions.” (Chapter 4)
The increase in media attention of the Clutter murders provides evidence for the media’s impact on the public and the legal proceeding. Through the detailed account of media’s involvement in the matter, Capote poses the theme of how the coverage influences the news shaping the rest of the lives of the individuals entangled in the case. This theme also describes the obligations of journalists and the possible effects of crime escalation.
8- Human Connection and Empathy
The human connection and empathy is a significant theme in the novel. The author reflects that the experience about a terrible tragedy can make the people more humane.
Capote’s portrayal of the relationship between Dick and Perry reveals moments of empathy and connection:
“They shared a sentiment of love and mutual admiration.” (Chapter 2)
Despite the criminal actions, the relationship between Dick and Perry is considered as the genuine human connection. The writer portrays their bond in such a way that the readers find empathy in their characters. This theme is focused on the complexity of human relationships and how even the worst acts can be redeemed through understanding. In this way, the writer invites the readers to think the humanity of individuals beyond their crimes.
9- The Search for Redemption
Another very significant theme is the search for redemption. The characters grapple with their past actions and seeks some kind of atonement.
Perry’s reflections on his actions indicate a desire for redemption:
“I think there must be something wrong with us. To do what we did.” (Chapter 3)
Perry admits of his wrongdoing and often reflects on seeking forgiveness. His inner conflict highlights a key theme of the book: the need for atonement and forgiveness. This theme reflects that anyone has the potential for redemption and can change, no matter how hopeless their situation.
10- Socioeconomic Inequality
Another important theme that is reflected in the novel is the contrast of the social status of the Clutters and the killers.
The financial struggles of Dick and Perry are contrasted with the Clutters’ prosperity:
“When Perry said, ‘I’m hungry,’ Dick was prompt to respond—out of the question. They had exactly twenty-seven dollars between them.” (Chapter 2)
The financial distress of Dick and Perry is significantly in contrast to the Clutters’ wealth. Capote employs these contrasts to emphasize the theme of social injustice and how it influences people’s existence and decision-making. This theme reflects that systematic oppression brings people to like Dick and Perry for their crime and despair, which indicates the need for social justice.
11- Moral Relativism
The novel also deals with moral relativism because the attitudes of the characters towards the Clutter murders and Dick and Perry’s actions are contrasting.
Capote presents conflicting viewpoints on the morality of the death penalty and the nature of justice:
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” (Chapter 4)
The different views that the society holds on whether Dick and Perry should be given the death penalty is a clear illustration of the relativism theme. This again is a clear indication that Capote’s narrative raises issues of the various aspects of moral ambiguities and the factors that affect the moral decisions. This theme focuses on the relativity of the ethical values and the problem of defining the clear-cut boundaries between the good and evil and the permissible and the prohibited by the society.
