Analysis Of In Cold Blood By Truman Capote

985 Words4 Pages

A journalist holds the occupation of reporting, writing, photographing or broadcasting news to seek the truth, investigate the case, and to report the accurate findings, with an unbiased opinion, to the general public, and the audience. They must report factual evidence, and give the exact truth and details on the events that occur. In 1966, Truman Capote, a journalist himself, published In Cold Blood, a non-fiction novel detailing the brutal murders of Mr. Clutter, his wife, and his two youngest children. However, many claimed that Capote failed to present a fair and unbiased report of the event, due to his very close involvement with the people involved in the murder itself. Capote did not accomplish his role as a journalist due to his detailed …show more content…

At one point of the trial Capote points out the disinterest the lawyers had on the case by telling the reader, "[Smith's lawyer] told the judge.”But if the court sees fit to appoint me, then of course I have no choice." Hickock's attorney... accepted the task with resigned grace: "Someone has to do it. And I'll do my best. Though I doubt that'll make me too popular around here." (Capote 257). By Capote pointing out the lack of enthusiasm the lawyers had, he is trying to convince the audience that Dick and Perry did not receive a just trial and convincing the audience is not the role of a journalist. Then as the trial continues, Dr. Jones does not take the opportunity to tell the jury a crucial fact about Perry’s mental condition. Capote tells the reader, " But had Dr. Jones been permitted to discourse on the cause of his indecision, he would have testified: "Perry Smith shows definite signs of severe mental illness" (Capote 296). Capote is constantly pointing out moments where it seems Dick and Perry are not receiving a genuine trial convinces the reader that the death sentence is not justifiable due to the fact of the trial they received. Capote is attempting to convince the audience that Dick and Perry received an unjust trial and as a journalist, he is not supposed to influence rather than let the reader formulate their

Open Document