Rhetorical Devices In Truman Capote's In Cold Blood

In his book, In Cold Blood, Truman Capote utilizes several rhetorical devices and strategies in pages 246-248 in order to establish a theme for the fourth section of the book, The Corner, and in order to properly end the third section, The Answer. Capote uses metaphor, diction, and tone shift in order to provide a comparison for Dick and Perry, to most effectively transition into the last section of the book, and to establish a grim and dismal mood. Capote uses an extended and extremely detailed metaphor in the first paragraph of page 246 with his reference to the tomcats. “Among Garden City’s Animals are two gray tomcats who are always together ―thin, dirty strays with strange and clever habits(246). This perfects relates to the personalities of Dick and Perry in

Capote uses this choice of words to establish a setting and paint a picture in the reader's mind of what Capote truly wants them to see and to expand on the grim and dismal mood that the readers feel throughout the entire passage. He uses many tone words like, slapped, pruned, stamped, cursing, and numbed as tone words to shift the mood of the reader to the depressing mood that Capote intends for the readers to feel and to help provide vivid imagery for the readers. These words are used to help Capote and help the readers understand what is happening in the passage with detail and with a unique perspective. In conclusion, Truman Capote effectively uses rhetorical devices such as metaphor, imagery, and diction to contribute to the shift from the third section of In Cold Blood to the fourth and final section and to pride a grim and dismal mood for the readers throughout this entire passage. Without the use of these devices, the transition would be much more difficult to understand and Capote did a phenomenal job of making it as clear as possible to all who read this