Analysis Of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood

The death penalty has been a controversial topic of debate for years, specifically whether the punishment is ethical and effective. Many have even argued that the criminal justice system has imposed flawed and misguided standards and practices which have caused chaotic conditions to seep into American life. Truman Capote’s work “In Cold Blood” examines the nature of this system by recounting the trail of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, who had been accused of murdering the Clutter family in rural Kansas. Through Capotes vehement opinions about numerous aspects of the process, the narrative includes a strong implicit answer to the central question of whether society actually achieves justice when it imposes the death penalty. Throughout In Cold

Smith’s defense attorney’s lack of interest and motivation in this case could be seen by this quote: “‘I do not desire to serve,’ he told the judge. ‘But if the court sees fit to appoint me, then of course I have no choice’”. Not only was the attorney’s disinterest appalling, but the jury was clearly biased from the outset. Capote writes, “...four (jurors) told the court that they had been personally, though not intimately, acquainted with Mr. Clutter........(One juror) said, when asked his opinion of capital punishment, ‘Ordinarily I’m against it. But in this case, no’”. A jury is supposed to be composed of people who hold unbiased, moderate views on capital punishment. Having the jury being unfairly prejudiced towards the criminals is setting up for an increasingly severe punishment- the death penalty. Capote’s inclusion of this quote portrays the blatant flaws in the justice system, ranging from the strict M’Naghten rule to a biased

Capote wrote, “The privileges granted ordinary prisoners were denied them; no radios or card games, not even an exercise period—indeed, they were never allowed out of their cells”. He describes how the “Row” inmates were stripped of their basic privileges and utilizes a dash to add emphasis on the fact that the prisoners were trapped inside their horrendous cell for most of the time. Compared to the “Row”, regular inmates receive luxury treatment. Dick goes on to describe the conditions within the century old prison: “winter cold saturated the stone and iron fixtures, and in summer, when temperatures often hurtled over the hundred mark, the old cells were malodorous cauldrons.” Dick rambles on in this sentence, listing how grave the cells conditions are. The “Row” would have to survive extreme weather, as the stone and iron fixtures would cause harsh conditions in the cells. But the inamtes did not reform by the use of brutality, and one of Dicks fellow death row inmates, Andy, was eerily jovial on the day he was put to death. Dick recalls, “The same place where the three he disposed of were buried. They planned to put Andy right alongside them. He said when they told him that he could hardly keep a straight face.” Andy had murdered his family and was being placed in the grave adjacent. After years of torture, Andy had not the slightest gleam of regret or remorse for his actions. Capote