Throughout Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, there is a reoccurring theme of good and evil. The readers are constantly wondering if the murderers were evil. The quote, “Inside of us, there is the speed of both good and evil. It is a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other” relates to the texts main characters (Burdon). Capote uses informed opinions and vivid descriptions to debate the good within evil, and how Perry and Dick relate to this. By the use of these rhetorical strategies, Burro’s quote is proved valid through Capote’s text. Perry Smith could be the most highly debated character character, because he was not truly evil. Perry uses his own opinions to justify and explain his crime. Perry explains,
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One cannot be good or bad without being both. There is much use of emotional examples and informed opinions that prove this statement. Capote quotes Perry’s sister when she claims, “He can seem so warmhearted and sympathetic. Gentle. He cries so easily” (Capote). This quote influences a question out of the readers, how could someone who seems so good turn evil? It emphasizes the good inside Perry’s bad. The contrast between good and evil is a great one, but no true person is truly good or evil. As Burdon said, “It is a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other” (Burdon). When Perry’s sister describes him being warmhearted, it is probably true, but him being coldhearted is also valid. Her positive comment alludes Perry in good times, not his bad. There is also an informed opinion stated, “The crime was a psychological accident, virtually an impersonal act” (Capote 244). By saying this, Capote defends the argument that the killers were simply cold hearted. It influences the reaction of the readers as well as the Holcomb community. Relating to Burdon’s quote, the evil in this case was the mental problems that beat Perry and DIck’s good side. Their seems to be focus on mental illness as the justification for the murder. Many of the characters also seem to sympathize towards Perry, being that he had a bigger mental illness than Perry. Not only that but he seemed aware of his mistakes, which shouldn 't justify his actions, but influenced the readers into understanding him more. His good side shined through his
One cannot be good or bad without being both. There is much use of emotional examples and informed opinions that prove this statement. Capote quotes Perry’s sister when she claims, “He can seem so warmhearted and sympathetic. Gentle. He cries so easily” (Capote). This quote influences a question out of the readers, how could someone who seems so good turn evil? It emphasizes the good inside Perry’s bad. The contrast between good and evil is a great one, but no true person is truly good or evil. As Burdon said, “It is a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other” (Burdon). When Perry’s sister describes him being warmhearted, it is probably true, but him being coldhearted is also valid. Her positive comment alludes Perry in good times, not his bad. There is also an informed opinion stated, “The crime was a psychological accident, virtually an impersonal act” (Capote 244). By saying this, Capote defends the argument that the killers were simply cold hearted. It influences the reaction of the readers as well as the Holcomb community. Relating to Burdon’s quote, the evil in this case was the mental problems that beat Perry and DIck’s good side. Their seems to be focus on mental illness as the justification for the murder. Many of the characters also seem to sympathize towards Perry, being that he had a bigger mental illness than Perry. Not only that but he seemed aware of his mistakes, which shouldn 't justify his actions, but influenced the readers into understanding him more. His good side shined through his