Capote Manipulates Details to Expose the Killers
Capote manipulated Hickock and Smith by exposing everything, even small details, in this crime novel. For example, at the start of the book, he identifies one of the serial killers as Dick. He also states that Dick had just completed his parole but intended to impersonate an Air Force colonel (160). Similarly, Capote correlates Perry with criminality while Perry was still on parole at the time. In addition, Capote disclosed the location of Perry and Hickock's murders, Holcomb. Confidentiality is important when telling a true crime story. It is recommendable for authors to keep the identity of criminals as well as settings of crime confidential. The information provided by the authors often has serious consequences on the mentioned people. When writing true crime stories, authors need to observe specific moral boundaries since they are dealing with real criminals and victims. The stories like the one by Capote are associated with traumatic events that can affect many people such as the people of Holcomb.
The Humanization of Killers in "In Cold Blood"
In what ways does Capote humanize the killers in this book? Consider the themes of self-image, dreams, sexuality, mental illness, poverty, etc. Why do you think it is important to humanize criminals to tell good true crime stories?
Capote humanizes characters in this book by explaining their past lives and the factors that influenced them to commit robbery. In the beginning of part three, he notes that Dick was planning to buy a military uniform and masquerade as a police officer (261). Impersonating a law enforcer was Dick's dream. In addition to this, Capote explains how Dick plotted to attack the Clutter's family and eliminate Mr. Clutter together with any witness (162). He also paints the real image of Wells in prison; Wells was afraid of disclosing the killers of Clutter's family. Capote humanized Wells by expressing the real fear that makes witnesses of crimes avoid confessing to the authorities about criminals. Moreover, he uses the rebirth theme to explain how the society feels when destroyers of peace are eliminated from the society. For instance, he explains how Mr. and Mrs. Hickock rejoiced when Smith, one of the Clutters' murderers was caught by the police (166). It is important for authors of true crime stories to humanize criminals because readers of the story need to interact with the actual criminals in the stories. They need to understand the background of the criminals as well as develop feelings from what they are reading. Moreover, humanizing criminals gives readers important insight into the facets of human nature so that they can separate sin from sinners.
Understanding Crime and Justice through True Crime Stories
Zooming out from the text here, what do we gain from this story and others like it? Consider our discussions of the social and political role of sensationalism, our cultural fascination with serial killers, and our need to rationalize unspeakable actions.
Real crime stories tell readers about factors that influence many people to associate themselves with crimes. These stories also enable readers to understand how justice is restored in society. For instance, it was evidenced in Capote's book that the murderers of Mr. Clutter's family were captured and imprisoned. Such stories evidence the existence of social justice. Many people consider crime stories fascinating because they paint the real picture of crime in society. Apart from learning how criminals conduct their crimes, real crime stories educate people on how to overcome some situations in life. For example, one can learn from Capote's book that it is wrong to disclose anything about other people to individuals with a crime history. It is as a result of Wells' disclosure of Mr. Clutter's home arrangement that Dick and Perry attacked Mr. Clutter's family. Therefore, real crime stories explain the need to regulate the amount of information we share with people outside our family members.
Work Cited
Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood. New York: Modern Library, 2013. Print.
