Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Somewhere UNDER the Rainbow
In Cold Blood begins with an evocation of Holcomb, Kansas. We have a description of the landscape of the Great Plains and of the ethos of small-town America. How do these descriptions create a mood or atmosphere? Does the setting prepare us for what will follow (foreshadowing anyone?)? How important is the setting to the themes of the story?
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In Cold Blood starts off with a description of the town, its quaintness, almost barren. The book goes into great detail when describing Mr. Clutter's farm, house, workers, family and lifestyle. this is evident on page 9 when the narrator describes Mr. Clutter's distant relationship with his wife, saying that they no longer share the same bedroom; as well as his house, which cost him forty thousand dollars to build. The passages on this page also talk about his children, three daughters and one son, some of whom have moved away. Capote goes into great detail about Herb Clutter's lifestyle, how he doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, or doesn't enjoy even a cup of coffee or tea. The author describes his daughter, Nancy's lifestyle as well, a straight A student, class president, who spends her free time helping younger girls with different tasks.
ReplyDeleteThe next scene, which describes a young man names Perry who is waiting for his Penitentiary roommate Dick. The detail of the setting really allows the reader to get a picture in their mind of what is going on in the story. the author describes Perry's breakfast, "three aspirin, cold root beer, and a chain of Pall Mall cigarettes"(14), as well as all his possessions including books, maps, lyrics, poems, etc.
The detail in this story(that I've seen so far, I've only read to page 28) makes the reader feel as though they are actually there. The descriptions of the characters, their lives, families, houses, personalities, as well as the thorough plot are all part of a setting that is clearly very important to this murder mystery. By page twenty eight, all the reader knows is that Mr. Clutter is one of the six people that looses their lives, and the reader may suspect, as i do that Perry and Dick have something to do with the murders. However, the book does not say this, but rather the intricate details and the lengthy descriptions of all the aspects of this story allow the reader to take these ideas away.
i believe that the setting is very important to this story, not only because it is a murder mystery, but also because there are several side plots going on with the different characters all at the same time, all of which, i believe, will be important later in the story.
In Cold Blood begins with the depiction of a quiet southern town. A place where religion is a main part of peoples’ lives, and most things are guided by that religion. The people described are well mannered, polite, and seem to be good country people. In no way does the description of the simple town prepare the reader for what is going to happen throughout the book. Holcomb almost seems utopian.
ReplyDeleteMr. Clutter’s farm and family only add to the utopian feeling, a successful farmer with loving children. The only thing that puts a wrinkle in the perfect family is Mr. Clutter’s wife. Mentally unstable she hides inside their house, and mental facilities throughout the country. Though the most obvious, this turns out not to be the only thing askew with the seemingly perfect family. The two daughters secretly smoke behind their fathers back, and Nancy is “going steady” with a boy associated with a different religion. Still, nothing about this family and they way they run their lives hints to the destruction that is later to come thanks to Perry and Dick.
The seemingly slow beginning of In Cold Blood sets up a perfect town, and perfect families, a place where nothing can go wrong other than a slight disagreement in religious beliefs.
I think that the city of Holcomb is portrayed as a city too prefect, and there has to be faults hidden behind the utopian face it puts up front. The begining of the book the auther writes about essentially a perfect family with an almost perfect life, only having to deal with minor typical family arguments. I agree with Kathleen in that I do not think that the way the city is described in anyway prepares the reader for the unfortunate events that are about to occur. The mood the the atmosphere puts the reader in is not one that is anticiapting a murder.
ReplyDeleteJust the fact that this is a small town, with few disturbances, and obviously a very little chance of something like this happening, makes a murder seem even more unlikely. It seems as if the family lives in an idealistic town, where nothing can go wrong. So, something like a crime at this magnitude will inevitabley stir up the normal every day life of the people in Holcomb.
However i do feel that the setting in the story is an important aspect, because with so much description it allows the reader to more fully understand the context. In the begining of the story all of the description seemed almost unnecessary, but i think that as the story continues all the small details the author chose to use will reveal some type of importance.
In Cold Blood begins with a description of the town Holcomb, Kansas. The novel describes many different things, from as broad as the city itself to the, “… streets, unnamed, unshaded, unpaved” (1). From the household of Mr. Clutter to the Methodist Church, Truman Capote depicts a normal small-town American city.
ReplyDeleteEach one of the many descriptions Capote creates contributes to one main mood of the story, happiness. After describing the life of Mr. Clutter, “Which left, still living at home, the boy, Kenyon, who at fifteen was taller than Mr. Clutter, and one sister, a year older-the town darling, Nancy.” (7). It almost seems that everyone in Holcomb lives a peaceful life, at no point in the description of this lonesome town, does Capote connect the title In Cold Blood to Holcomb. To the reader it is a surprise of what might happen next, death is almost unwonted due to the description of Holcomb but with the title one would expect something unordinary to happen.
The setting is the base for all the themes in the story. Family is the first theme that the reader would see from the first section. The Clutters fit the description of a perfect family instantly, for the reason that Mr. Clutter is wealthy as a result of his farm, which Capote describes in great detail.
In the beginning of In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote, there is a description of Holcomb, Kansas. The very first thing that we learn about Holcomb is that it is a very lonesome area. “The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call ‘out there’” (3). This description creates a gloomy mood in which there is little to no happiness. This may not be true, but none the less, it sets a tone of a boring town where the only thing anyone out of the town hears about is something bad as it is such a gloomy and lonely place. Also, in the quotation mentioned above, it says that other Kansans call it “out there”. As most Americans view Kansas as “out there”, for Kansans to view Holcomb as out there means that Holcomb is really, really “out there”. I believe that the setting will not completely prepare us for what is to come, as for all we know this could be a story about fairies at this point, but it helps us understand the events that occur in the novel. The setting helps us understand this because as we learn, it is a murder mystery, and the setting helps by describing what knd of town the murder took place. Also, it could also set a theme of how the town of Holcomb is a very lonely place and the effect of this on the murder that will take place after the description of the Holcomb in the novel.
ReplyDeleteThe description of Holcomb is of a quiet town where nothing of a sinister nature ever happens. Holcomb's location almost makes it seem to be isolated from the evils of society. This description however only describes what is on the surface and can be seen at first glance. This illusion is inevitably broken like a stone being throne into a calm pond, leaving what you used to see a blur. The Cultters' also resemble the town, clean well off, and independent. It is hard to find a negative aspect of the family, much like Holcomb. However the Cultter family is not as perfect as they appear to be, with Mrs. Cultter hiding herself away lost in depression. In this regard the town and the family mirror each other, as it would become evident, Holcomb is not as much of a utopia as it would seem. These early descriptions show that things must be looked at past the surface to truly see what is there.
ReplyDeleteIn Cold Blood, written by Truman Capote, starts the story by referencing the quaint details of Holcomb, Kansas; the town that the story is taking place in. Capote gives an in depth amount of detail towards the scenery, letting the reader picture the town of Holcomb as if they were there. Holcomb was described as to be in “…the countryside, with its hard blue skies and desert-clear air, has an atmosphere that is rather more Far West than Middle West.” (p.3) Just within the first page, Holcomb seems to have a tranquil feel, reflecting a sunny day in the countryside where nothing can go wrong. Capote sets the mood, not letting the reader what is yet to come in the story. Leading more into the story he is able to tell us about each character, and personalities that they obtain.
ReplyDeletePerry, a character from scene two sits in a café waiting for his friend dick glancing out of the window until his friend had arrive and what was described that he always carried with him was, “one cardboard suitcase, a guitar, and two big boxes of books and maps and songs, and poems and old letters, weighing a quarter of a ton.” (p. 14) Agreeing with what Pia had stated, that just by referencing what belongings Perry owns, reflects that these may have some sort of sentimental value to him, and even more describing what type of person he is. I think that details like these illuminate the story, making it come to life. It is a great way to keep the reader interested in the story, and have them wanting more. They setting from what I have read reflect the countryside, and town, but I think these settings may be a bit deceiving for what we have yet to read in the story.
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ReplyDeleteI was shocked to read, "Holcomb heard them - four shotgun blasts that, all told, ended six human lives"(pg. 5). Truman Capote's novel, In Cold Blood, is set in the run-down village of Holcomb. Capote describes Holcomb to have closed down banks, falling-apart post offices and peeling sulphur-colored paint(pg 4) Holcomb appears to be a ghost town with no villagers; as shown on the front cover art work. So I would have to disagree with Sami and say that Holcomb does not seem happy but dull.
ReplyDeleteHowever, as the chapter progresses and we learn of the Kansas State University graduate, Mr Clutter, who "was not as rich as the richest man in Holcomb" the village continues to be viewed as a small town where everyone knows each others business; and this is why I was shocked to read, "Holcomb heard them - four shotgun blasts that, all told, ended six human lives" because I find it hard to believe that a run down town where everyone knows each others business has so much unsolved drama of a murder mystery.
The initial setting of In Cold Blood creates a cheerful and safe mood. It is set in a small town in Kansas, where stereotypical images of small-town America are present. The setting reader a sense of security. Neighbors are friendly and polite to each other, there is a strong sense of community, and the people of the town are grounded in moral values. The mood of the beginning is far from the gruesome murders that take place. The Clutter family is also presented in a manner that does not hint at any wrongdoing. The Clutter family is a religious law abiding household that would never have any dealings in criminal activity. This fact makes their murder even more shocking. No motivation for the murder is ever given beforehand, and after it takes place there is still ambiguity as to why it took place. The side story of Dick and Perry hints that they have a plan to murder the Clutters, but there is no distinctive motive that is hinted. Overall, the setting and story up to the murder have almost no foreshadowing present. Without foreshadowing the murder is a shocking event, and I almost felt like the townspeople when they heard about it.
ReplyDeleteThe town of Holcomb is depicted as a very small and lonesome town. Many Kansans call it "out there" meaning that it is not a very busy town full of hustle bustle. It seems to be very left alone and most likely a very depressing town to live in. When Capote states, "Holcomb, too, can be seen from great distances. Not that there is much to see--simply and aimless congregation of buildings divided in the center by the mani-line tracks of the Santa Fe Railroad, a haphazard hamlet bounded on the south by a brown stretch of the Arkansas River, on the north by a highway" (1). This brief description of the town already gives a sense of loneliness and dullness to the town. It proves that there is nothing attractive to lure people in and nothing that says it is an exciting place to be. The fact that it is not a happy place sets a tone that the story yet to come is not a happy story.
ReplyDeleteThis depressing tone that is set, is later confirmed on page 5 when the shooting took place. When a shooting takes place it clearly does not paint a positive picture in the readers mind, ergo proving a very depressing town.
Mr. Clutter, one of the main characters is considered one of the wealthier men of his town. He seems like a very strict father, always looking out for the best of his children. His rules for his children as clearly stated on page 8 show that he is not a run down man who would seemingly fit in Holcomb. He is in fact a very put together and well educated man. He has a perfect family, minus the poor relationship with his wife, and has a daughter receiving straight A's in school.
On the Contrary, we have a character such as Perry. Perry seems very fitting to the town of Holcomb. He's evidently not wealthy and seems very reserve and suspicious when considering the death of Mr. Clutter. Perry followed his rules of "sipping and smoking" (14). He doesn't seem to be a well behaved person and he is not put together and he is not anything like the younger people that we first hear about, the Clutter children. The scenery explained in Holcomb, would go perfectly with some people like Perry and his companion Dick, very run down and very depressing. Capote makes the lively hood of Perry and the town of Holcomb very suspicious, in this murder mystery.
The city of Holcomb is described in a way that portrays it as a classic western city. It seems abandoned and yet the people who live there are very content. On page 4, Capote is describing a “DANCE” sign that “has been dark for several years” and a bank that has been closed since 1933. This paints a picture of a rundown town for the reader. Additionally, it is made to be a small town as they only have one school and everybody knows each other. The town seems simple with an okay community. The setting doesn’t portray the town as anything spectacular because nothing jumps out. Everything is just ordinary and okay. There is this feeling that it could be better but no body cares if it is because they are content with the way it is now. The setting also foreshadows what is about to happen. On page 5 Capote talks about how the town was usually trustworthy and fearless. However, six people die and everyone is now scared and untrusting. Also, on page 13 it says, “he headed for home and the day’s work, unaware that it would be his last.” Capote is speaking of Mr. Clutter and because it is his last day, this informs the reader that Mr. Clutter is about to die.
ReplyDeletei agree with what Adam says about Holcomb having an aura of peace, and how unexpected a violent crime would seem there. However, i disagree with Baui when he says that Capote doesn't fully prepare the reader for what is to come when he sets the scene for the story.
ReplyDeletei believe that the erie, empty feel of Holcomb completely prepares the reader for what is to come. The reader might see Holcomb as a quaint town in the middle of Kansas, and some readers might also pick up on the spooky undertone. Holcomb is almost too quiet, and too simple. In my opinion it seems like the perfect setting for a murder. Because nothing ever happens in Holcomb, the perpetrators may want to start something there. Possibly to see if they can pull off such a huge murder in a place where everyone knows everything.
I agree with what rebecca is saying in that the people were trusting before the murder, and now everyone is suspecting their neighbors. This element adds to the erie feeling of Holcomb. A person walking through Holcomb after the murders may feel as though they were walking through a dark abandoned house. The emptiness and quietness of Holcomb is, in my opinion, the perfect setting for a murder and i believe that Capote completely sets the scene for what is to come in the story.
i believe that the beginning description doesn't prepare you for what is about to happen. it describes a small sleepy little town, like chesterland, Ohio. Its quiet peaceful, and everybody knows everybody else. nothing really ever happens in a small town. the most wowing thing that happens is that the football team won the last game, or that someone got seriously drunk. that is the most part of what happens in small towns. everybody knows everybody and people are polite, and courteous. people don't pay attention to the news today if you live in a small farm town. people more importantly don't care. if the united states government fell tomorrow, they would be the last to know. Holcomb is a quiet and sound community that gets by on its own. though there is a feeling of that it is too quiet on Holcomb. though its a small town and small towns are like that. nothing much goes on other than the day to day normal.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was first reading about the setting described at the beginning, it lead me in the path of calm, happy, and sort of boring place out in the middle of nowhere. Everything described leads to the perception of small town America back in the day. The people are very close to each other since the population is so tiny and this makes for a very safe feeling because if you know everyone then what do you have to worry about. The telling of the setting in my opinion does and does not foreshadow the story. In a way it does when on page 13 it says “he headed for home and the day’s work unaware that it would also be his last”. This is one instance of foreshadowing in incold blood; another is the story of Dick and Perry because you can predict the murders that take place based on it. The story also shows it doesn’t foreshadow anything is that when it describes Holcomb it is a very safe place which is unbelievably different than the events that take place.
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