Literary Techniques Of Truman Capote

Truman Capote has a very unique writing style, one that makes readers feel as though they are a part of the novel itself. The rhetorical devices he uses gives people a bigger connection to the characters inside the book, instead of just the story itself. He often uses flashbacks, imagery, and syntax to make the audience feel as though they are actually a part of the book, instead of just onlookers looking from outside in. Truman Capote uses flashbacks to give the audience a better feel on how a certain character feels on a certain subject. Such as after Perry read the biography his father had written about him and sent to the jail: “In fact the first part of his life that Perry could remember was treasurable - a fragment composed of applause, glamour.” (Capote 130). In this quote, Perry is speaking about how his childhood was a very good time for him, and with the context it’s in, it shows how depressing his life today really is. The in-depthness of Capote’s flashbacks make the readers feel as if they are in the character’s shoes.

The Author writes, “The detective division of the Las Vegas City Jail contains two interrogation rooms -fluorescent-lighted chambers measuring ten by twelve, with walls and ceilings of Celotex.” (Capote 215). This quote uses very descriptive language to describe such a simple setting to give a more thorough look on what the character is feeling. At the setting of this certain situation, readers know that Dick and Perry think that they have everything together, so their own bland, dry feelings are reflected by the intense and unnecessary description of the white, boring interrogation rooms. This extensive description also gives the audience a better grip on Perry and Dick’s thoughts and feelings going into the interrogation