Homicide is a topic that many shy away from. Truman Capote, however, takes on the topic with full force in his novel, In Cold Blood. In this work, Capote details the events that occurred before and after the unsuspecting murders of the Clutter household. The family murder transpired in the small Kansas town of Holcomb, after their murderers, two convicted felons, had heard a false rumor while in prison about Herb Clutter and hoped to rob him and his family of their money. Capote utilizes a variety of rhetorical devices to convey his complex perspective of Holcomb. More specifically, he uses visual imagery to describe the setting, establishes an informative tone to provide an unbiased view, and includes specifically chosen diction to describe
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In particular, he mentions “this hitherto peaceful congregation of neighbors and old friends had suddenly to endure the unique experience of distrusting each other...” (88). Capote uses religious terms such as "congregation" to describe the situation of Holcomb by relating the residents' experience of a separation of unity and a loss of innocence with a biblical connection. Readers familiar with the bible can compare the murders to the crucifixion of Jesus- the Clutter family was very religious and had high moral standards such as how Jesus was the epitome of moral values and both had untimely and unjustifiable deaths. In other parts of the story, Capote frequently mentions how the town bonds through their faith as he is aware that this is a pious town and that Christianity is the glue holding them together. Moreover, Capote uses contrasting terms such as "peaceful" and distrustful," to thoroughly summarize the observation he has made of how the murders has affected the town. To further explain the townspeople, Capote notes the diversity of their heritage, “...they are outdoor folk of very varied stock- German, Irish, Norwegian, Mexican, Japanese,” (4). Capote uses the metaphor to note the diversity present in the town, comparing the people to stock, a term commonly associated with products that are …show more content…
Some prevalent techniques utilized in the novel were visual imagery to translate an image to the audience’s mind about the town, an informative tone so readers can form their own distinct opinion on the town, and diction to emphasize the community of
In particular, he mentions “this hitherto peaceful congregation of neighbors and old friends had suddenly to endure the unique experience of distrusting each other...” (88). Capote uses religious terms such as "congregation" to describe the situation of Holcomb by relating the residents' experience of a separation of unity and a loss of innocence with a biblical connection. Readers familiar with the bible can compare the murders to the crucifixion of Jesus- the Clutter family was very religious and had high moral standards such as how Jesus was the epitome of moral values and both had untimely and unjustifiable deaths. In other parts of the story, Capote frequently mentions how the town bonds through their faith as he is aware that this is a pious town and that Christianity is the glue holding them together. Moreover, Capote uses contrasting terms such as "peaceful" and distrustful," to thoroughly summarize the observation he has made of how the murders has affected the town. To further explain the townspeople, Capote notes the diversity of their heritage, “...they are outdoor folk of very varied stock- German, Irish, Norwegian, Mexican, Japanese,” (4). Capote uses the metaphor to note the diversity present in the town, comparing the people to stock, a term commonly associated with products that are …show more content…
Some prevalent techniques utilized in the novel were visual imagery to translate an image to the audience’s mind about the town, an informative tone so readers can form their own distinct opinion on the town, and diction to emphasize the community of