In Cold Blood Truman Capote Analysis
In Cold Blood Analysis
1. Syntax “More markings, self-designed and self executed, ornamented his arms and torso: the head of a dragon with a human skull between its open jaws; bosomy nudes; a gremlin brandishing a pitchfork; the word PEACE accompanied by a cross radiating, in the form of crude strokes, rays of holy light; and two sentimental concoctions—one a bouquet of flowers dedicated to Mother-Dad, the other the celebrated the romance of Dick and Carol, the girl whom he had married when he was nineteen, and from who he had separated six years later in order to ‘do the right thing’ by another young lady, the mother of his youngest child” (31). This passage is in the beginning of the book and describes what the tattoos on Dick’s body looks like with detail. The kind (and amount) of tattoos he has leads you to believe that he is sort of a rebel and that he will be the antagonist. The sentence is very long and includes many semicolons and hyphens. Capote helps you gain a fuller understanding of the personality, experiences, and history of Dick.
2. Allusions* “Take ye heed, watch and prey: for ye know not when the time is” (30). This quote is a biblical allusion. It brings to mind the hope found in God and the strength when people rely on Him. This brings to mind that God is there for us but no matter what people are born with sin and will be sinful. It’s also ironic because it foreshadows the murders that are about to occur.
3. Character Development I think Capote carefully depicts the personalities of secondary characters so that we can get a better understanding of the role they played in the book. These detailed portraits add authenticity to the book because this book is based on a true story, and capote wanted to show that he really knew a lot of stuff about who these characters were. The secondary character that I find the most memorable is Bobby Rupp, because he seemed to be one of the most affected by the Clutter murders.
1. Syntax “More markings, self-designed and self executed, ornamented his arms and torso: the head of a dragon with a human skull between its open jaws; bosomy nudes; a gremlin brandishing a pitchfork; the word PEACE accompanied by a cross radiating, in the form of crude strokes, rays of holy light; and two sentimental concoctions—one a bouquet of flowers dedicated to Mother-Dad, the other the celebrated the romance of Dick and Carol, the girl whom he had married when he was nineteen, and from who he had separated six years later in order to ‘do the right thing’ by another young lady, the mother of his youngest child” (31). This passage is in the beginning of the book and describes what the tattoos on Dick’s body looks like with detail. The kind (and amount) of tattoos he has leads you to believe that he is sort of a rebel and that he will be the antagonist. The sentence is very long and includes many semicolons and hyphens. Capote helps you gain a fuller understanding of the personality, experiences, and history of Dick.
2. Allusions* “Take ye heed, watch and prey: for ye know not when the time is” (30). This quote is a biblical allusion. It brings to mind the hope found in God and the strength when people rely on Him. This brings to mind that God is there for us but no matter what people are born with sin and will be sinful. It’s also ironic because it foreshadows the murders that are about to occur.
3. Character Development I think Capote carefully depicts the personalities of secondary characters so that we can get a better understanding of the role they played in the book. These detailed portraits add authenticity to the book because this book is based on a true story, and capote wanted to show that he really knew a lot of stuff about who these characters were. The secondary character that I find the most memorable is Bobby Rupp, because he seemed to be one of the most affected by the Clutter murders.