Reflective Journal: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
From a single news report, Truman Capote’s dedication and detailed approach to crafting ‘In Cold Blood’ are indeed key factors contributing to the greatness of the book, for his efforts goes far beyond recounting events of the Clutter murder but rather immersing himself deeply in the web of human relationships and behaviours surrounding the crime.
Capote dives into creating this whole series of human relationships and behaviours, putting each little piece of the puzzle that represents information the author has mustered into this whole image of the event. From information from interviews, court transcripts, diaries, and personal observations, Capote constructed a comprehensive portrait of the people who were involved and the community affected by the crime.
Through vivid descriptions and keen observations, Capote brings Holcomb to life, portraying its residents, landscapes, and rhythms of life with remarkable authenticity. By immersing readers in the setting, Capote lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of the events that unfold.
His portrayal of the Clutter family is infused with empathy. Through interviews with friends, family members, and acquaintances, he paints a rich portrait of Herbert, Bonnie, Nancy, and Kenyon Clutter. And by diving into their backgrounds, motivations, and aspirations, Capote humanise the victims, allowing readers to connect with them on a personal level and feel the weight of their loss.
He also did not forget to take considerable attention to explore the lives and psyches of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith. Through interviews, Capote uncovers the complex motivations and inner conflicts that drove Dick and Perry to commit such horrible acts. By exploring into their pasts of trauma, poverty, social alienation, family background, these are what shaped their identities and influenced their actions – an inevitable consequence of a twisted fate.
Theme Development
Possible themes that were being explored in ‘In Cold Blood’ are Righteousness and the American Dreams and its twisted fate.
Capote’s portrayal of the Clutter family and their rural Kansas lifestyle reflects an idealised version of the American Dream. The Clutters represent hard working, morally upright individuals who have achieved success through honest means. However, their murder shatters this illusion of security and prosperity, questioning the sustainability and attainability of this so-called ‘American Dream’ – a twisted fate.
The concept of fate is woven throughout the narrative particularly in the lives of the Clutter family and their murderers. From an idyllic small-town life with not much going on except life, this random intersection, more like a twisted fate, with Dick and Perry lead to their tragic demise. Capote explores this idea of fate as something beyond human control, shaping our unpredictable lives. The seemingly ordinary lives, intertwined with extraordinary circumstances highlights the unpredictability of fate and the very life itself.
Method
Truman Capote’s fascination with the Clutter murder extends beyond the crime itself. I think what intrigues him is not merely the act of violence in a small farming town but deeper layers of human psychology and existential themes waiting to be uncovered.
At its core, "In Cold Blood" is more than just a retelling of a murder case; it is an examination of the human condition, fragility of innocence, and the complexities of human nature. Capote saw the Clutters murder as a lens through which to explore fundamental questions of human behaviour and their morality.
As a result, the randomness and senselessness of the crime forced both characters and readers to confront the harsh realities of mortality, fate, and the arbitrary nature of existence. In grappling with these existential themes, Capote invites readers to contemplate the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the quest for the meaning of life.
Story
Capote’s decision to exclude himself from his narrative can be understood through a deeper exploration of the concepts of subjectivity and attention shift.
Subjectivity, in the context of literature, refers to the biases, opinions, and perspectives of the author. By adopting a first-person narrative, Capote would inevitably introduce his own subjectivity into the story. This could be manifested in various ways – personal judgments, emotional biases, or even subtle influence on the portrayal of characters and events. Capote likely aimed for an objective and impartial depiction of the events surrounding the Clutter murders.
Moreover, Capote’s decision reflects a deliberate choice to maintain the focus on the primary subjects of his work. By inserting himself, Capote would have shifted attention away from the central figures. In a story as inherently gripping and tragic as "In Cold Blood," maintaining a tight focus on the individuals directly involved helps enhance the narrative's emotional resonance and thematic depth, resulting in readers feeling immersed and engaged with ideas presented.
Reflective Coda
One of the things I learned while writing this reflective piece is that there are so many things that are above and beyond our control; that life is so unpredictable yet so beautiful. It reminds me of a book called ‘The Black Swan’(although these two books are totally different) in a way that humans will never be able to foresee all the outliers or all the unpredictable events.
But it's also sort of a reminder: to live each day as if it's your last. Because we never know when we will eat our last meal, meet someone we truly love for the last time, or even get the chance to wake up the next morning. To live each day knowing that there will be an end to it, that death is inevitable and unpredictable, just makes life so so beautiful.