In Cold Blood Quotes

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is a thrilling murder mystery that is extremely well known and praised in the crime genre. Based on a true story, the novel starts by introducing the dynamic relationship of the two main characters, Perry and Dick. The two are forced to confront unsettling truths about their nature and innocence. Published in 1965, the novel changed literature through the investigations and extensive research that was put into writing it. Capote delves into the heinous murder that the two commit in Holcomb Kansas, explaining their complex relationship as they go through a roller coaster of feelings in the aftermath of the murder. As the investigation unfolds and the lives of the killers intertwine, the true complexity of the situation

Besides the murder, throughout the book Perry is shown as a good person, for example when he didn't want to kill someone else for a car in Mexico. The quote also explores Perry’s moral complexity and negative external influences, mainly Dick, that shape his actions throughout the book. In In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, there are many motifs that appear in the book, the most relevant and important being dreams, in particular Perry Smith’s dreams. Perry’s character in the book emerges as an individual whose moral ideals are influenced by external factors, such as his complicated relationship with Dick. He seems to strive for a better life, and wants to do more than just run away after the murder. He is portrayed somewhat as a child with an inherent goodness to others. Perry’s dreams of going to Acapulo, and flying through the sky on a bird can be seen as proof of his underlying humanity and longing for another chance, suggesting that he isn't evil, but rather driven to escape his rough past. Perry’s complicated relationship with Dick can be seen as a flashback to Perry’s past: “He could not help but notice that Dick, busy gouging under his fingernails with a fork prong, was uninterested in his dream” (Capote