Holcomb Allusion

Capote choosing Holcomb as our setting is important because, it shows how evil can invade even the most obscure locations. Happiness, safety and hard work are all traits associated with Holcomb, which is located in the homeland of America. Using Holcomb, Capote shows the reader no place in America is safe from violence. The first information Capote gives us about Holcomb is that it is quite small with a population, “numbering two hundred and seventy” (Capote 5). Having such a little population, allowed for a very tight knit community, which at first were pretty friendly until the death of the Clutter family. The town, though not particularly wealthy, managed to maintain a quality way of life with decent schools and plentiful farming ground.
Perry shows how much Dick means to him stating, “still, of everyone in all the world, this was the person to whom he was closest at that moment, for they at least were of the same species, brothers in the breed of Cain…” (Capote 258). This allusion deals with Cain, who we know in the Bible for murdering his brother. Capote uses this allusion to show the murderous connection between the two men. …show more content…
Once meeting the family there are several ironic moments that imply bad stuff is about to happen to them. For example, when Mrs. Ashida says to Mr. Clutter, “I can't imagine you afraid. No matter what happened, you’d talk your way out of it” (Capote 36). This statement is ironic because he is about to experience a situation involving real fear, and he cannot talk the murderers out of killing him and his family. Another instance where Capote uses irony to sense impending doom is when Mr. Clutter purchases insurance in case of, “the event of death by accidental means” (48). The dramatic irony indicates that soon the murders are going to kill the Clutter family, and it is ironic because he purchases this on the last day of his