In Cold Blood Essay Prompt
In Section 19 of Part One of In Cold Blood Truman Capote voices criticism of the Clutter
family by quoting Myrtle Clare. This criticism of the seemingly perfect Clutter family --and
the values they represent-- is one of the first of several moments in the book where Capote
suggests sympathy for the murderers. One can argue that Capote’s overall purpose for his
non-fiction novel is to explain why Dick and Perry did what they did. He got to know the
murderers because that was the best way to get their story. But did Capote go too far? In his
attempt to get the story behind the murders, did Capote become so attached to Dick and
Perry that he ended up showing them an undue amount of sympathy? Did Capote’s
relationship with Dick and Perry cause him to write an overly subjective account of the
case? Or did Capote remain objective enough to relate their story in a way that can be
considered fair and impartial?
A note of caution: the movie Capote takes a position on the above questions that you may or
may not agree with. It is your job to go to the text –not the movie-- for evidence. Do not
bring outside research into this essay. Again, look for the answers in the text. You should be
looking for evidence that either suggests that Capote was able to maintain enough distance
to be objective or, conversely, evidence that suggests he became too emotionally involved.
Take into consideration diction, tone and selection of detail.
Some definitions:
subjective -- based on feelings or opinions rather than facts
objective -- based on facts rather than feelings or opinions : not influenced by feelings
Objective writing is writing that is thoroughly researched and supported by evidence. A
work of non-fiction can have an argument and still be considered objective.
Requirements:
 Use MLA formatting.
 Submit your Word file to me using turnitin.com Don’t put a “screen shot” into your
file. I will be making comments onto your essay. If you have a “screen shot,” I can’t
make comments.
 Use at least one quote per paragraph to support your thesis. Analyze each quote
thoroughly, taking into consideration diction, tone and selection of detail.
 Include a title that follows the guidelines we discussed.
 Avoid summarizing the plot.
 Make sure your thesis clearly states whether Capote was objective.
 Write 800 words.
The following is an excerpt from an interview of Truman Capote that appeared in The New
York Times:
[Question:] Being removed from the book, that is to say, keeping yourself out of it, do
you find it difficult to present your own point of view? For example, your own view as
to why Perry Smith committed the murders.
[Answer:] Of course it's by the selection of what you choose to tell. I believe Perry
did what he did for the reasons he himself states--that his life was a constant
accumulation of disillusionments and reverses and he suddenly found himself (in
the Clutter house that night) in a psychological cul-de- sac. The Clutters were such a
perfect set of symbols for every frustration in his life. As Perry himself said, "I didn't
have anything against them, and they never did anything wrong to me--the way
other people have all my life. Maybe they're just the ones who had to pay for it."
Now in that particular section where Perry talks about the reason for the murders, I
could have included other views. Perry's happens to be the one I believe is the right
one, and it's the one that Dr. Satten at the Menninger Clinic arrived at quite
independently, never having done any interviews with Perry.
I could have added a lot of other opinions. But that would have confused the issue,
and indeed the book. I had to make up my mind and move toward that one view,
always. You can say that the reportage is incomplete. But then it has to be. It's a
question of selection, you wouldn't get anywhere if it wasn't for that. I've often
thought of the book as being like something reduced to a seed. Instead of presenting
the reader with a full plant, with all the foliage, a seed is planted in the soil of his
mind. I've often thought of the book in that sense. I make my own comment by what
I choose to tell and how I choose to tell it. It is true that an author is more in control
of fictional characters because he do anything he wants with them as long as they
stay credible. But in the nonfiction novel one can also manipulate: If I put something
in which I don't agree about I can always set it in a context of qualification without
having to step into the story myself to set the reader straight.
Finally consider…
Capote suggests here that his non-scientific investigation was just as reliable as the one
carried out by Dr. Satten at the Menninger Clinic. In other words, he is claiming that his
technique for getting at the truth –getting to know his subject, getting to know the
community where the crime was committed, conducting extensive interviews—is as
reliable and objective as analysis done by a trained doctor. Consider whether you agree or
disagree with this claim.