In Cold Blood: The Clutters

As an author, you have the ability to manipulate the audience through your diction and rhetorical persuasion. Does Truman Capote want the reader to feel a certain way about the Clutter family and their murders? If so, how is this evident? If not, how does he remain unbiased? Does Truman Capote want the reader to feel a certain way about Dick Hickock or Perry Smith? If so, how is this evident? If not, how does he remain unbiased?

In Cold Blood: Right to Trial

Sometimes we jump to conclusions based on what we believe to be true. Or, sometimes our emotions get the best of us and we don't much care what others have to say since we already have our minds made up. Did Dick Hickock and Perry Smith receive a fair trial? Why or why not? Was it right for Dick Hickock and Perry Smith to receive the same sentence? Why or why not? Is it possible for a jury or judge to be completely unbiased? Why or why not?

In Cold Blood: The American Dream

Perhaps the premise of In Cold Blood, and one of the primary themes within the text, is the American Dream. We all know this to be the notion that everyone, no matter whom or what they represent, is entitled to a life filled with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Who is entitled to achieve the American Dream? Why? Do all Americans have equal access to the American Dream? Why or why not?

In Cold Blood: Family Influence

Dick and Perry both make decisions that eventually lead them to the consequences they are faced with. Do family or childhood circumstances affect the decisions that people make? If yes, is this valid? If no, why not?

In Cold Blood: Death Penalty

As you read In Cold Blood, you can't help but sympathize with Dick and Perry. They start to become more human and we almost feel bad for them, as if they never stood a chance against their upringings and environments. We begin to question what punishment would truly be fair for them, as both murderers and people. Is the death penalty a good solution to violent crime? Why or why not?