In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

In Cold Blood book cover
Start Your Free Trial

How does Truman Capote write In Cold Blood to make the reader sympathetic towards the killers?

Expert Answers info

lprono eNotes educator | Certified Educator

calendarEducator since 2010

write388 answers

starTop subjects are Literature, History, and Social Sciences

Capote details the abuse and contempt experienced by the killer Perry Smith from a very young age. Because of this attention to the killer's background, which parallels the author's sensitive depiction of the murdered family, the book makes the readers wonder whether the killer is simply a scapegoat for larger social evil. Were the murders somehow provoked because of the social marginalization experienced by Smith? Could he have turned out different had he grown up in a different family and social context? By referring to the dichotomy between nature and nurture, Capote offers a complex portrait of Smith that goes beyond the stereotype of the cruel criminal.

check Approved by eNotes Editorial

Related Questions

More »

Unlock This Answer Now

Start 48-Hour Free Trial to Unlock

Ask a Question

Popular Questions

More »

Additional Links