Questions and Answers
Describe the village of Holcomb.
The village of Holcomb is a small yet prosperous farming settlement in western Texas.
During which year and what time of year does the novel take place?
The novel takes place in the year 1959 in mid-November.
Identify Mrs. Clutter's health problem. How does her ailing health affect the other members of the Clutter family?
Mrs. Clutter's health problem is that there is a misplaced vertebra in her spine, causing mental depression and isolation.
Herb Clutter had an inflexible attitude toward what habit? Why?
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How was Herb Clutter viewed by other members of the Holcomb community?
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How did Herb Clutter feel about Bobby Rupp, Nancy's boyfriend?
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Outline the details of 'the score' as it is conceived by Dick and Perry.
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How was Nancy Clutter viewed by other members of the Holcomb community?
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Why didn't Dick's parents approve of his association with Perry? What was the lie Dick told to his parents?
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Describe Kenyon Clutter.
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Create a compare-and-contrast chart with Dick and Perry.
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Who was Willie-Jay and why did he take to Perry?
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Name one of the habits Herb Clutter was known for. How is this pertinent to the crime?
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Herb and Bob Johnson make a business deal on the very same day that Herb is killed. How does this deal provide a potential motive for the murder of the Clutters?
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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?
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What was it that ultimately convinced Dick that Perry would make a good partner for his plan?
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What was the last thing Nancy Clutter was known to have done before going to sleep?
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Who are the first people to find the Clutters? What was one of the first clues they spotted once inside the Clutter household?
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Provide one reason that the sheriff ruled out robbery.
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Does Mrs. Clare's attitude toward the news of the murders surprise you? Why or why not?
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What is Mr. Johnson talking about when he says legally obliged and morally obliged? What does he decide to do?
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How does Bobby find out about Nancy's murder? What is his reaction to the news?
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Where do Perry and Dick go after the murders? What do Perry and Dick do after the murders?
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Study Notes
The Village of Holcomb
- Holcomb is a small, prosperous farming village located on the high wheat plains of western Texas.
- The area is considered remote, with other Kansans referring to it as being "out there."
Setting and Timeframe
- The narrative unfolds in 1959 during mid-November.
Mrs. Clutter's Health
- Mrs. Clutter suffers from a misplaced vertebra, leading to mental depression and a sense of isolation within the family.
Herb Clutter's Attitude
- Herb Clutter strictly opposes smoking, drinking, and coffee, considering stimulants unacceptable.
Community Perception of Herb Clutter
- Regarded as a reserved leader and a gentle man, Herb Clutter is also seen as a fair employer by the Holcomb community.
Herb's View on Bobby Rupp
- Initially perceiving Bobby Rupp as gentlemanly, Herb becomes uneasy after seeing him kiss Nancy, compounded by his disapproval of Rupp's Roman Catholic background.
Dick and Perry's Plan
- Dick and Perry scheme to escape to Mexico for a luxurious lifestyle, intent on eliminating witnesses to avoid capture.
Nancy Clutter's Reputation
- Nancy Clutter is cherished as "the town sweetheart," recognized for her responsibility, poise, and kindness.
Dick's Deception to Parents
- Dick’s parents disapprove of his friendship with Perry due to his past. He fabricates a story about visiting Perry's sister in Fort Scott to obtain a sum of money.
Kenyon Clutter's Description
- Kenyon is characterized as an awkward teenager focused on interests like cars and inventions rather than relationships. He has a hemp-colored crew cut and wears glasses.
Comparison of Dick and Perry
- Dick: Tall, cowardly, married, employed, literal-minded.
- Perry: Unmarried, artistic, hopeful, exhibits wanderlust, feminine traits.
- Both share attention to hygiene, tattoos, criminal backgrounds, and residency in Kansas.
Willie-Jay's Influence on Perry
- Willie-Jay, a prison chaplain's assistant, mentored Perry, recognizing his talent. His absence led Perry to accept 'the score' for financial gain.
Herb Clutter's Routine
- Herb was known for retiring by eleven o'clock, but being awake during the robbery may have contributed to the family’s murder.
Business Deal Implications
- On the same day as his murder, Herb took out a double indemnity life insurance policy, potentially motivating the crime.
Perry's Bad Omen
- Before arriving at the Clutter household, Perry and Dick stopped at Phillips 66, where Perry experienced sudden leg pain, which he perceived as a bad omen.
Dick's Assessment of Perry
- Dick considers Perry a suitable partner for the crime due to his propensity for violence, referring to him as a "natural killer."
Nancy's Last Actions
- Before bedtime, Nancy Clutter prayed and wrote in her diary, marking her last known activities.
Discovery of the Clutter Family
- Nancy's friends, Nancy Ewalt and Susan Kidwell, are first to discover the Clutters, noting that Mr. Clutter's office door was ajar as a key clue.
Sheriff’s Conclusion on Robbery
- The sheriff dismissed robbery as a motive because the Clutters did not own a safe.
Mrs. Clare's Reaction
- Mrs. Clare, the postmistress, appears unsurprised by the murder news, likely due to her exposure to various disturbing events in her role.
Mr. Johnson's Decision
- Mr. Johnson contemplates the implications of Herb Clutter's life insurance policy and ultimately decides to approve payment despite legal loopholes.
Bobby Rupp's Discovery
- Bobby learns of Nancy's murder from Mr. Wealth, struggling to process the devastation of the news.
Aftermath of the Murders
- Following the murders, Dick and Perry flee to Mexico, where they engage in fraudulent activities like writing fake checks and reselling merchandise.
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Description
This quiz covers key details from Part 1 of Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood'. It includes important aspects such as the setting of the village of Holcomb and the timeline of events in the novel. Test your knowledge on these foundational elements and deepen your understanding of the text.