When Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood was first published in 1966, it caused a sensation. The book tells the story of the brutal murders of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, and the subsequent investigation and trial of their killers, Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith. Capote’s groundbreaking work has been praised for its vivid portrayal of the killers’ psychology and its exploration of the nature of evil.

In this article, we will delve deep into the mind of a criminal and review In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. We will examine the book’s themes, style, and characters, and explore why it is considered a classic of true crime literature.

The Background of In Cold Blood

On November 15, 1959, the Clutter family, consisting of Herbert and Bonnie Clutter and their two children, Nancy and Kenyon, were brutally murdered in their home in Holcomb, Kansas. The crime shocked the small town and attracted national attention. The killers, Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith, were eventually caught, tried, and sentenced to death.

Truman Capote became interested in the case and traveled to Kansas to conduct interviews and research for a book. Over the course of six years, Capote interviewed hundreds of people, including the killers themselves. He also spent countless hours poring over court documents and police reports.

The result of his research was In Cold Blood, a groundbreaking work of true crime literature that tells the story of the murders and their aftermath in vivid detail.

The Themes of In Cold Blood

One of the central themes of In Cold Blood is the nature of evil. Capote explores the idea that evil is not only a product of a person’s environment but also a fundamental aspect of their character. Through his portrayal of the killers, Dick and Perry, Capote shows how their upbringing and life experiences contributed to their criminal behavior. However, he also suggests that there is something inherently twisted and disturbed about their personalities.

Another important theme of the book is the question of justice. Capote presents a nuanced view of the criminal justice system, showing both its strengths and its flaws. On the one hand, the investigation and trial of the killers were conducted with impressive thoroughness and professionalism. On the other hand, Capote also highlights the arbitrary and capricious nature of the death penalty, which he ultimately comes to oppose.

The Style of In Cold Blood

One of the most striking features of In Cold Blood is its literary style. Capote pioneered a new genre of true crime writing that combined the factual accuracy of journalism with the emotional power of fiction. He used a novelistic style to tell the story, with vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings.

Capote’s use of language is also noteworthy. He employs a spare, understated prose that is both elegant and haunting. His descriptions of the Kansas landscape and the Clutter family’s home are particularly memorable.

The Characters of In Cold Blood

The two central characters of In Cold Blood are the killers, Dick and Perry. Capote portrays them as complex and multifaceted individuals, with both good and bad qualities. He shows how their difficult upbringings and life experiences led them to commit the murders, but he also suggests that there is something inherently twisted and disturbed about their personalities.

The other major character in the book is Alvin Dewey, the lead investigator in the case. Capote presents Dewey as a dedicated and competent law enforcement officer who is deeply affected by the murders and their aftermath. Dewey’s pursuit of justice is one of the driving forces of the book’s narrative.

Conclusion

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is a groundbreaking work of true crime literature that has stood the test of time. Its vivid portrayal of the killers’ psychology and its exploration of the nature of evil have made it a classic of the genre. Capote’s spare, understated prose and novelistic style have also been widely praised. If you are interested in true crime or simply looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read, In Cold Blood is well worth your time.