In Cold Blood Analysis

This quote by Capote illustrates his technique of engaging his readers by creating a fertile ground in which a story can grow. Just as a farmer manipulates the field to ensure crops grow, Capote similarly manipulates the mind of the reader. He gathers information and compiles it to present a story to the readers and then allows the reader to interpret the novel. Although some argue that In Cold Blood is simply a factual recounting of the brutal murders of the Clutter family, in reality the novel is a compilation of the varying perceptions of those involved—Capote, the towns people, law enforcement, and the reader. Despite the fact that history repeats itself, cultural influences are always changing thus causing the murder to be interpreted

Considered an inauspicious dot on the map, Holcomb was a town that everyone passed by and regarded as a typical farm community until November 14,1959, when a terrible tragedy occurred. Four member of the Clutter family were murdered: Herb Clutter, the father; Bonnie Clutter, his wife; Nancy Clutter, their daughter; and Kenyon Clutter, their son. Herb and Bonnie also had two daughters who were fortunately living away from home at the time. In the first few chapters Capote describes the Clutters as a caring family, who were an integral part of Holcomb’s

Unlike traditional historians who wanted accurate and objective historical accounts, New Historians are more concerned with the representation of historical events and their cultural revelations. Considering each interpretation valid, they explore various interpretations of texts based on the historical context of that time period. New Historicism argues that history is not linear and repeats itself. As Capote said, “murder was a theme not likely to darken and yellow with time”, meaning that there might be numerous murders with various classes; however, they all have the same tone of tragedy and will forever be present in human society. However, New Historians would argue that murder in literature has different interpretations defending on your culture and time period. New Historicism also states that and objective analysis of any event cannot be made since history is a compilation of various primary sources. Although he claims otherwise, this is exactly the model Capote follows as he develops his novel. He assembles primary an secondary sources to portray this