Truman Capote’s nonfiction novel In Cold Blood is a gripping portrayal of a real-life murder case that took place in rural Kansas in 1959. The book is known for its detailed account of the brutal murder of the Clutter family, as well as its insightful commentary on the psychology of the killers. One symbol that is used throughout the book is the “American Dream,” a concept that represents the ideal of achieving success and prosperity through hard work and determination.
The American Dream is referenced several times in the book, particularly in the context of the killers, Richard Hickock and Perry Smith. Both men grew up in poverty and believed that the American Dream was their ticket out of their difficult circumstances. However, as they struggled to make a living and faced setbacks in their lives, they became increasingly disillusioned with the idea of the American Dream. As Capote writes, “Their dreams were as tattered as the motley clothes they wore; their aspirations were as threadbare as the money in their pockets” (Capote 50).
The American Dream also plays a role in the way the Clutter family is portrayed in the book. The Clutters are described as the epitome of the American Dream, with their comfortable home, successful business, and respected position in the community. However, their idyllic life is shattered by the
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In the 1950s and 1960s, the idea of the American Dream was a central theme in American culture, as people sought to achieve success and prosperity in the wake of World War II. However, as the civil rights movement and other social changes began to challenge the status quo, the idea of the American Dream came under scrutiny. In Cold Blood can be seen as a commentary on this larger societal shift, as Capote portrays the failures of the American Dream through the experiences of the killers and the tragic fate of the Clutter