Questions and Answers
What does true crime refer to?
Who is Truman Capote?
A writer known for his novels and his work on the Clutter murders
What are the qualities of a non-fiction novel?
Real people, events, ideas and factual information
How did Perry's abusive childhood affect his personality?
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Where is the setting of the novel?
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What is the M'Naghten Rule?
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What is the nature of Capote and Perry's friendship?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is Capote's position on the death penalty?
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What are the plot developments in Chapter 1?
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Study Notes
True Crime
- Involves serious breaches of community values by individuals engaging in prohibited conduct.
- Popularity stems from the excitement and suspense it generates, akin to an adrenaline rush.
Truman Capote
- Endured emotional trauma after his parents' divorce and lived with his mother in New York.
- Early exposure to literature through his friendship with Harper Lee, which began during family care.
- His first novel, "Other Voices, Other Rooms," marked his literary debut; "Breakfast at Tiffany's" later launched his fame.
- Had an open relationship with Jack Dunphy, reflecting his acceptance of his sexuality.
- Conducted in-depth interviews in Kansas regarding the Clutter murders, overcoming initial resistance.
Qualities of a Non-Fiction Novel
- Centers around real individuals, events, and concepts grounded in fact.
Perry's Personality
- Perry Smith's abusive childhood shaped him into a complex character, combining gentleness with a desire for love.
- His guilt over killing a father figure indicates an internal conflict and moral complexity.
- Showed reluctance to participate in violence, highlighting his moral compass amidst chaos, ultimately succumbing to despair in prison.
Setting
- The narrative unfolds in Holcomb, Kansas, specifically within the Clutter family residence.
M'Naghten Rule
- A legal standard evaluating criminal responsibility based on the ability to discern right from wrong, often due to mental disorders.
Capote and Perry's Friendship
- Capote portrays Perry's humanity by sharing his backstory, aiming to evoke sympathy from the audience.
- Their relationship sparked controversy, with accusations of Capote having romantic feelings for Perry.
Psychopath vs. Sociopath
- Psychopaths are often characterized as born with certain traits; they appear charming and function normally in society.
- Sociopaths are primarily shaped by their environment, displaying impulsivity and emotional instability.
Book's Position on the Death Penalty
- Capote argues against the death penalty, suggesting mental institutions as more appropriate responses.
- Reflects human compassion, exemplified by Alvin Dewey feeling pity for Perry in the context of the investigation.
Chapter 1 Plot
- Herb Clutter is a compassionate ranch owner, maintaining a strict no-alcohol policy among employees.
- Daughter Nancy, a beloved local figure, dreams of bigger opportunities while grappling with her relationship's uncertain future.
- Bonnie Clutter suffers debilitating post-partum depression, remaining largely incapacitated during her children's upbringing.
- Youngest child Kenyon shows promise as an inventor, engrossed in electronics.
- Unbeknownst to the family, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock plan to murder them without a clear motive, driven mainly by Dick's bloodlust.
- Perry is hesitant about the planned violence and expresses concern over their identities, encouraging the purchase of disguises.
- Perry's involvement is not driven by greed; his motivation centers on maintaining proximity to Dick and a former friend.
- The narrative establishes the violent crime's aftermath, with both perpetrators showing different emotional responses post-murder.
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Description
This quiz explores key concepts and figures from Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood', including the true crime genre. Each card highlights significant terms and definitions that enhance understanding of the book's themes and characters.
