In Cold Blood Part 1 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

Describe the village of Holcomb.

It is located in the high wheat plains of western Kansas. The people have a prairie twang type of accent. It has a bank that closed in 1933. It has a cafe that is run by Mrs. Heartman. The school is called Holcomb School that goes from kindergarten to high school.

During which year and what time of year does the novel take place?

1959 in mid-November.

Identify Mrs. Clutter's health problem. How does her ailing health affect the other members of the Clutter family?

She has a misplaced vertebra in her spine. It causes her to isolate herself from the family, affecting her relationship with them.

Herb Clutter had an inflexible attitude/policy toward what habit? Why?

All stimulants such as smoking or drinking. He hasn't even tasted alcohol before. Signup and view all the answers

How was Herb Clutter viewed by other members of the Holcomb community?

He was known for his equanimity, charitableness, and the fact that he paid good wages and distributed frequent bonuses. Signup and view all the answers

How did Herb Clutter feel about Bobby Rupp, Nancy's boyfriend?

He thought Bobby Rupp was a dependable gentleman but wanted Nancy to start breaking up with him because of their differing religious backgrounds. Signup and view all the answers

Outline the details of 'the score' as conceived by Dick and Perry.

Perry and Dick were going to commit some sort of crime and then flee to Mexico, specifically Cozumel, to find gold in the Sierra Madre. Signup and view all the answers

How was Nancy Clutter viewed by other members of the Holcomb community?

Everybody loved her. She was known for her kindness and ability to make time for others. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Dick's parents approve of his association with Perry? What was the lie Dick told to his parents?

They don't approve because they don't like Dick seeing anybody from The Walls. Dick told them they were going to visit Perry's sister in Fort Scott. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Kenyon Clutter.

Kenyon is the only son in the Clutter family. He is 15 years old, six feet tall, and has a hemp crew-cut hairstyle. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Willie-Jay and why did he take to Perry?

Willie-Jay was Perry's real and only friend, as well as his former cellmate. He felt the need to bring Perry to God. Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the habits Herb Clutter was known for. How is this pertinent to the crime?

One of Herb Clutter's habits was that he always wrote checks. This is relevant because it suggests he kept little cash on hand. Signup and view all the answers

Herb and Bob Johnson make a business deal on the same day that Herb is killed. How does this deal provide a potential motive for the murder of the Clutters?

It provided a potential motive because it allowed double indemnity in the event of accidental death. Signup and view all the answers

What was the last stop made by the two travelers before they visited the Clutter household? What was the bad omen Perry perceived while they were there?

They stopped at Hurd's Phillips 66. Perry perceived a tear between the fingers of his gloves as a bad omen. Signup and view all the answers

What was it that ultimately convinced Dick that Perry would make a good partner for his plan?

Dick believed Perry would be a good partner because Perry previously killed someone in a violent manner. Signup and view all the answers

What was the last thing Nancy Clutter was known to have done before going to sleep?

Nancy was known to go through her beauty routine and write in her diary. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the first people to find the Clutters? What was one of the first clues they spotted once inside the Clutter household?

The first people to find the Clutters were Nancy and Susan. One clue was Nancy's purse lying on the floor. Signup and view all the answers

Provide one reason that the sheriff ruled out robbery.

Because Mrs. Clutter was wearing some jewelry, which suggested that robbery was not the motive. Signup and view all the answers

Does Mrs. Clare's attitude toward the news of the murders surprise you? Why or why not?

Yes, it surprised me because she seemed indifferent to Mr. Clutter's death despite his popularity. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Johnson talking about when he says legally obliged and morally obliged? What does he decide to do?

He discusses the decision to process a check and decides to do the moral thing by putting it through. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bobby find out about Nancy's murder? What is his reaction to the news?

Bobby finds out from his dad and Mr. Ewalt. He goes outside to look at the scenery for an hour and then begins to cry. Signup and view all the answers

Where do Perry and Dick go after the murders? What do Perry and Dick do after the murders?

Larry went to Olathe and stayed in a hotel room, while Dick went back home and acted as if nothing happened. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Holcomb Village and Setting

Located in high wheat plains of western Kansas.
Residents speak with a prairie twang accent.
The village has a closed bank since 1933 and a cafe run by Mrs. Heartman.
Holcomb School serves students from kindergarten to high school.

Time Frame

The events of the novel occur in mid-November 1959.

Mrs. Clutter's Health

Suffers from a misplaced vertebra, causing isolation from family.
Her condition reflects signs of depression; she avoids intimacy with her husband.
Kenyon Clutter sees her as a ghost, indicating emotional absence.

Herb Clutter's Attitude

Inflexible policies against smoking and drinking; he has never tasted alcohol.
Known for his stability and generosity in the community.

Community Perception of the Clutters

Herb Clutter is seen as equanimous and charitable, known for fair wages and bonuses.
Nancy Clutter is adored in the community; recognized for her kindness and diligence.

Relationships

Herb Clutter views Nancy's boyfriend, Bobby Rupp, as reliable but encourages her to distance herself due to contrasting religious backgrounds.
Dick's parents disapprove of his friendship with Perry due to their backgrounds; Dick lies about visiting Perry’s sister.

Kenyon Clutter

The only son, 15 years old, and notably taller than his father.
Physically distinct, has a crew cut, and is noted for his strength.

Perry and Willie-Jay

Willie-Jay, Perry's only friend and former cellmate, aims to guide him spiritually.
He supports Perry's decision to embark on a crime as a means to reunite.

Herb Clutter's Financial Habits

Known for always writing checks; this can hint at his lack of cash, making him a target.
Herb’s business deal included double indemnity in cases of accidental death, raising suspicions about motives for murder.

Pre-Murder Context

Perry perceives a bad omen at a gas station; damaged gloves could leave fingerprints.
Dick is convinced of Perry’s suitability as a partner due to his past violence, viewing him as a "natural killer."

Last Moments of Nancy Clutter

Nancy followed her beauty routine and documented her day in a diary, which she had skipped writing in for four years.

Discovery of the Murders

Nancy and her friend Susan are the first to discover the scene.
Clues include Nancy’s purse, found open on the floor.

Sheriff’s Investigation

Robbery is ruled out because Mrs. Clutter was still wearing jewelry, suggesting the murder was not theft-driven.

Community Reactions

Mrs. Clare’s indifferent response to the murders contrasts with the town’s usual shock over loss, highlighting her detachment.

Johnson's Ethical Decision

Mr. Johnson debates legal and moral obligations concerning a financial check related to Herb Clutter’s death but chooses to do the morally right thing.

Bobby Rupp's Reaction

Learns of Nancy's murder from his father and Mr. Ewalt, experiencing profound grief.

After the Murders

Dick returns home acting normally, while Perry checks into a hotel in Olathe.

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Description

This study guide quiz focuses on key concepts and details from part 1 of Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood.' It covers important aspects of the setting, including the village of Holcomb and the time period in which the events take place. Ideal for students looking to deepen their understanding of the text.