Truman Capote's In Cold Blood

Truman Capote focuses very extensively on character development, narrative structure, and relationships in his novel “In Cold Blood”. He talks exclusively on the character Perry Smith including a description of his troubled past and dysfunctional life. They way Capote portrays Perry throughout the entirety of the novel makes the readers sympathize for him and attempts to make an excuse for his actions, and makes him appear as a victim rather than a cold hearted murderer. Capote also gives readers an underlying impression of his homosexuality, and tells how Perry was unpredictable which made many people afraid of him. On page 110 it states, “particularly if whatever was wrong was not your own fault but ‘maybe a thing you were born with’. Look …show more content…
I believe that Dick used this knowledge about Perry to his advantage. As it states on page 111, “Then he heard Dick say, ‘Deal me out baby, I'm a normal’”. There is countless examples of language such as this example that is exchanged between Dick and Perry, but it is made clear through multiple ways that Dick is heterosexual. To me this shows that Dick uses this to get his way with Perry, and trick him into doing whatever he wants. There also is underlying assumptions that Capote and Perry had a deep connection that went beyond feelings toward a normal friends, this might be a reason why the book seemed to sympathize with Perry although he is a …show more content…
Even Perry’s own sister is scared of him, says he was no respect for anyone, and does not want her address disclosed to him. As is states on page 180, “‘Mrs. Johnson?’ one of them said. ‘My name is Nye. This is Inspector Guthrie. We’re attached to the San Francisco police, and we’ve just received an inquiry from Kansas concerning your brother, Perry Edward Smith...’we wondered if you could tell us anything of his present whereabouts.’ Mrs. Johnson was not distressed- and definitely not surprised- to learn that the police were once more interested in her brother’s activities.” Then on page 181 following a conversation with a detective it states, “‘On bad terms?’ ‘With Perry? Yes. I’m afraid of him.’...’As a matter of fact, he doesn't know we’ve moved. He thinks I’m still in Denver. Please, if you do find him, don't give him my address. I’m