Perry, flattered to be the subject of this sermon, had let Dick read it, and Dick, who took a dim view of Willie-Jay, had called the letter ' just more of Billy Grahmancracker's hooey,' adding, 'Faggots of scorn! He's the faggot.' Of course, Perry had expected this reaction, and secretly he welcomed it, for his friendship with Dick, whom he had scarcely known until his final few months in Lansing, was an outgrowth of, and counterbalance to, the intensity of his admiration for the chaplain's clerk... All the same, Dick was full of fun, and he was shrewd, a realist, he 'cut through things' there were no clouds in his head or straw in his hair... He was not critical of Perry's exotic aspirations; he was willing to listen, catch fire, share with him those visions of 'guaranteed treasure' lurking in Mexican seas, Brazilian jungles. (Capote 44)
This passage from Perry's perspective specifies the relationship between him and Dick. It is important to understand Perry's view of Dick; How they interact and deal with each other affects their relationship.
Perry's outlook of Dick is as crude and simple minded. Dick is "full of fun, and he [is] shrewd, a realist". Obviously he doesn't take Dick seriously as a mature opinion. Perry admired Willie-Jay, but "expected this reaction" of adolescence from Dick. There are some positives to Dick though. He has no "clouds in his head," and is "willing to listen" to Perry's schemes. These two features allow them to get along so well. Perry needs a willing person, who will follow him on the "Mexican seas [or] Brazilian jungles" adventures he comes up with. Dick is this person for Perry. In the story, they have come up with a plan to do something. Though their intentions are not clear to the reader yet, a scheme is certainly in play.
Both men seem to complete each other's needs. If one is lying to the other, they both believe it. For Perry, Dick is the essential person in his venture. If they are lying to one another, their scheme will fall apart. Trust can be the ruin of a relationship if it is falsely based.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Kenyon Clutter
Kenyon resembled neither of his parents physically; his crew cut hair was hemp-colored; and he was six feet tall and lanky, though hefty enough to have once rescued a pair of full grown sheep by carrying them two miles through a blizzard--sturdy, strong, but cursed with a lanky boy's lack of muscular coordination. (Capote 38)
Kenyon is son to Herbert and Bonnie Clutter. Though he is the second man of the house, he favors his mother timid nature. Do not underestimate him, for he still has the Clutter strength. His character isn't very developed, like his mother. I still feel that they have something to add to the story.
Kenyon is opposite to his father and sister who are very outgoing. He feels handicapped by a "lanky boy's lack of muscular coordination". Socially, he doesn't stand out and tends to stick to what he knows. These traits also come from his mother. The parallelism between family members may have a deeper meaning later in the story. Like how his mother used to be, he cares deeply for his family and is "sturdy [and] strong" for them. He may be the strong base in a tough situation.
This strong base may be needed for the family. Mainly, I feel the author wants us to know the characters on a personal level. Each person, including Kenyon, has a story and a life. These are the people we want to root for and we know.
Kenyon is son to Herbert and Bonnie Clutter. Though he is the second man of the house, he favors his mother timid nature. Do not underestimate him, for he still has the Clutter strength. His character isn't very developed, like his mother. I still feel that they have something to add to the story.
Kenyon is opposite to his father and sister who are very outgoing. He feels handicapped by a "lanky boy's lack of muscular coordination". Socially, he doesn't stand out and tends to stick to what he knows. These traits also come from his mother. The parallelism between family members may have a deeper meaning later in the story. Like how his mother used to be, he cares deeply for his family and is "sturdy [and] strong" for them. He may be the strong base in a tough situation.
This strong base may be needed for the family. Mainly, I feel the author wants us to know the characters on a personal level. Each person, including Kenyon, has a story and a life. These are the people we want to root for and we know.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Men
The two young men had little in common, but they did not realize it, for they shared a number of surface traits. Both, for example, were fastidious, very attentive to hygiene and the condition of their fingernails. After their grease-monkey morning, they spent the better part of an hour sprucing up in the lavatory of the garage. (Capote 30)
This paragraph uses small details to paint a perfect picture of these two men. So far in the story, their part is relatively shrouded. What we are given, are personality traits of both men. What kind of men they are may give perception of how they fit into the Clutter's lives.
Both men, Perry and Dick, are described as being vain and "attentive to hygiene". Appearance is important to their daily lives. Both young men get along relatively well, but lack a deeper connection. On a more important level, they lack deeper meaning to their lives. They are 'searching' for themselves. For now though, they are content with the "surface traits" they share.
These traits are obviously important to eachother. But on the other hand, when Perry and Dick realize they have nothing considerable in common, their friendship will suffer. This flaw may be the downfall to whatever grand plan they have schemed.
This paragraph uses small details to paint a perfect picture of these two men. So far in the story, their part is relatively shrouded. What we are given, are personality traits of both men. What kind of men they are may give perception of how they fit into the Clutter's lives.
Both men, Perry and Dick, are described as being vain and "attentive to hygiene". Appearance is important to their daily lives. Both young men get along relatively well, but lack a deeper connection. On a more important level, they lack deeper meaning to their lives. They are 'searching' for themselves. For now though, they are content with the "surface traits" they share.
These traits are obviously important to eachother. But on the other hand, when Perry and Dick realize they have nothing considerable in common, their friendship will suffer. This flaw may be the downfall to whatever grand plan they have schemed.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Bonnie Clutter
Mrs. Clutter, who wore rimless glasses, removed them and pressed her eyes.
"Forgive me, dear. I'm sure you'll never know what it is to be tired. I'm sure you'll always be happy..."
Jolene was silent. The note of panic in Mrs. Clutter's voice had caused her to have a shift of feeling; Jolene was confused, and wished that her mother, who had promised to call back for her at eleven, would come. (Capote 26)
This is the first chapter from Bonnie Capote's perspective. Bonnie is Herbert Capote's wife, and mother to Kenyon and Nancy. She has been suffering from mental issues and most likely depression for several years. Her condition is known vaguely to Holcomb residents, but never discussed.
Jolene is Nancy Clutter's pupil. Jolene's character is used more as a way to describe Nancy and her mother. In the above paragraph, Jolene and Bonnie are discussing pie making. Jolene is also aware of Bonnie's condition, but has never experienced her. In this situation, Jolene is alone with Bonnie. Mrs. Clutter, not used to entertaining company, is awkward and asks Jolene to "forgive [her]" for being so.
Mrs. Clutter's perspective in the book is nervous and disappointed (mainly in herself). In the above passage, this principle is shown in full force. Bonnie implies her own distress by saying a young innocent such as Jolene "will always be happy." Jolene will never "know what it is to be tired", also showing how Bonnie feels.
Bonnie, at one point, was as outgoing as her husband. Now that she stays hibernated, is she hindering Mr. Clutter's reputation? Does he (or any other family members) have resentments towards her?
"Forgive me, dear. I'm sure you'll never know what it is to be tired. I'm sure you'll always be happy..."
Jolene was silent. The note of panic in Mrs. Clutter's voice had caused her to have a shift of feeling; Jolene was confused, and wished that her mother, who had promised to call back for her at eleven, would come. (Capote 26)
This is the first chapter from Bonnie Capote's perspective. Bonnie is Herbert Capote's wife, and mother to Kenyon and Nancy. She has been suffering from mental issues and most likely depression for several years. Her condition is known vaguely to Holcomb residents, but never discussed.
Jolene is Nancy Clutter's pupil. Jolene's character is used more as a way to describe Nancy and her mother. In the above paragraph, Jolene and Bonnie are discussing pie making. Jolene is also aware of Bonnie's condition, but has never experienced her. In this situation, Jolene is alone with Bonnie. Mrs. Clutter, not used to entertaining company, is awkward and asks Jolene to "forgive [her]" for being so.
Mrs. Clutter's perspective in the book is nervous and disappointed (mainly in herself). In the above passage, this principle is shown in full force. Bonnie implies her own distress by saying a young innocent such as Jolene "will always be happy." Jolene will never "know what it is to be tired", also showing how Bonnie feels.
Bonnie, at one point, was as outgoing as her husband. Now that she stays hibernated, is she hindering Mr. Clutter's reputation? Does he (or any other family members) have resentments towards her?
Herbert Clutter
That morning an apple and a glass of milk were enough for him; because he touched neither coffee nor tea, he was accustomed to begin the day on a cold stomach. The truth was he opposed all stimulants, however gentle. (Capote 10)
Main character, Herbert Clutter, is the father of two children and a successful business man. He is a devout Methodist and is active in church along with the community. Overall he is a well-to-do figure for his family and Holcomb, Kansas.
Most people with such a hectic schedule would need a hearty breakfast, or at least some sort of caffeine; not for Herbert. A simple meal of an "apple and a glass of milk were enough" to start off his day. This simple detail gives insight into Herbert's personality. Especially for the late fifties, tobacco products were widely accepted and used. Herbert opposes all of these things "however gentle." His view of any indulgent is almost military-like. Later, we also read that his schedule is filled to the maximum, but he still manages to fill all obligations. This particular passage stuck with me. A person's routine tells what kind of person they are. If it is strict, they seem to be a more organized person such as Herbert Clutter. This trait can also be the downfall of a person. Doing too much can take a toll on a family and physically for the person. Will this be the demise of Mr. Clutter?
Main character, Herbert Clutter, is the father of two children and a successful business man. He is a devout Methodist and is active in church along with the community. Overall he is a well-to-do figure for his family and Holcomb, Kansas.
Most people with such a hectic schedule would need a hearty breakfast, or at least some sort of caffeine; not for Herbert. A simple meal of an "apple and a glass of milk were enough" to start off his day. This simple detail gives insight into Herbert's personality. Especially for the late fifties, tobacco products were widely accepted and used. Herbert opposes all of these things "however gentle." His view of any indulgent is almost military-like. Later, we also read that his schedule is filled to the maximum, but he still manages to fill all obligations. This particular passage stuck with me. A person's routine tells what kind of person they are. If it is strict, they seem to be a more organized person such as Herbert Clutter. This trait can also be the downfall of a person. Doing too much can take a toll on a family and physically for the person. Will this be the demise of Mr. Clutter?
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