Blog 7
In Capote’s “In Cold Blood” we see what was thought to be devices appropriate only for fiction incorporated in this non-fiction narrative. Capote uses status detail to characterize the townspeople, Clutter family, the detectives, and the criminals. You know everything about these characters, including their prerogatives, motives, and quirks. Take Nancy for example. We know that Nancy was a busy American small town sweetheart that baked apple pies and wanted to marry her high school sweetheart. The details that Capote gives us such as a look into her diary and when she got mad at Bobby for drinking beer gives us an idea of how innocent she was. This intense characterization moves the story from simple horizontal reporting. If Capote was to simply say “Nancy Clutter, 16, murdered in her home…” we would not be personally connected to the character as we are after he reveals the plethora of status details for each character.
He also establishes characterization by using dialogue. This element takes simple reporting to vertical reportage by creating connections with the characters, and their interactions. For example, we know that Dewey worked tirelessly to solve the murder. A lot of this is revealed by the use of dialogue between him and his wife. For example when his wife says, “Alvin, are you lighting another cigarette. Honestly Alvin, can’t you at least try and sleep?” Never in a newspaper article would find dialogue as minor as this. By having dialogue it brings the characterization to a whole new level by putting the reader in the scene and letting them listen to something so intimate as conversations by husband and wife.
This book also has many instances of scene-by-scene construction. The book flashes between scenes of what is going on with the Clutter family and the criminals. The most prominent example I can think of is the description of the crime scene. Capote goes into detail about the eyes of Mrs. Clutter, and how to bodies were tied and positioned. He gives details of where the Kenyon’s spectacles were and how there was a pillow placed under his head. Although Capote does not go into dramatic details about blood and gore he does fully describe the scene and how it was discovered. The whole Clutter house and property in general was described very well. The scene will them flash sideways to what the criminals are doing at that same time, and another scene will be constructed.
Although the story itself is written in chronological order with a few interjected flashbacks, it surpasses the normal newspaper reporting. By using the literary elements listed above it reads like a novel and achieves a different effect that a newspaper article. Most of the things we read in the newspaper we forget, even murders. This is because we do not know the characters or the complete story. However, by bringing the reader into the story and introducing us to the characters, Capote creates a lasting impression. His reportage skills make this story seem like a piece of fiction and when you learn it is not, it is that much more powerful.
We seem to stumble on the subject of objectivity a lot in class. Do you think Capote was objective in writing this book?
The notion of objectivity is one I thought of a lot during the reading of this novel. I don't think Capote was wholly objective in his version of the story, especially when looking at his portrayal of Perry Smith. Though he gives a full history of both murderers, I felt Capote was less than objective in his description of Smith. He seems to make excuses for him, allowing his pity for Smith to seep into his writing. This almost sympathetic portrayal of Smith causes Capote's objectivity to be questioned.
ReplyDeleteI WOULD FIRST ASK HOW YOU DEFINE OBJECTIVITY
ReplyDelete