-1 UP

AP Lang Documentary.

Actor & Shot Director:
Manuel Andres

Camera Operator & Editor:
Daniela Caro

Music: Skrillex First of The Year More Monsters and Sprites 

We Know Heads, Now Lets See Tails

After describing the consequences the Clutter's murder brought to their friends and family, Capote now turns to describe the events involving Dick and Perry. I found it interesting to see the instant change of location and atmosphere when Capote writes, “Approximately four hundred miles east of where Arthur Clutter then stood, two young men were sharing a booth in Eagle Buffet, a Kansas City diner.” (89). This sudden change impacted me suddenly while I was still reacting towards Susan's and Bobby's reactions toward their loss. I think Capote tries to show how even though they are some miles apart, they are pretty close when it comes to having something in common, the murder.

Continuing through the story, Capote unfolds characteristics of the suspected murderers. We get to find out who is the more leader out of them both, when Perry says, “Anyway, I don’t believe it. Neither do you. Own up, Dick. Be honest. You don’t believe this no-clue stuff?” (89). Here, one can see that Perry is the dominant individual of the two. Though it is interesting to see how Perry, even though being dominant, has an insecurity when Capote states, "Dick ordered another hamburger. During the past few days he'd known hunger that nothing- three successive steaks, a dozen Hershey bars, a pound of gumdrops- seemed to interrupt. Perry on the other hand, was without appetite; he subsisted on root beer, aspirin, and cigarrettes." (90). This shows how confidence is shown by the things that they eat. Appetite, you're confident. No appetite, you're worried. Though I still think both of these characters share the same fear of being caught.  Still, the same question still remains unanswered: Why were the Clutters murdered? I hope that in the next few pages there will be more answers than questions. 

(Not) Minding It

I've continued In Cold Blood and I'm still unaware of the reason behind the murder of the Clutter family. But I mentioned that on my latest blog. I want to compare how people in In Cold Blood react to murders and how people in our society react too. We have been consumed with movies, shows, and games that mostly have to do with death and murder. It seems normal to almost everyone seeing someone die in movies, T.V shows, and most popular, in games. I've seen my fair share of blockbusters and played great games involving shooting someone, even blowing places up. Though our reaction to this is nonchalant. It's ok we see it everyday. Do we?

I myself am a huge fan of videogames, particularly those that include killing. If you think about it almost every videogame there is includes some type of violence. I should stop because I don't want to get into ranting how violent videogames don't affect children. It's the same with movies. Today's children watch movies such as James Bond or The Expendables and don't even question about the presence of death and loss. Alright maybe I too don't react dramatically to death in movies. Maybe it's because we know it's fake.

Now in In Cold Blood people hearing the news about the murders reacted surprised, "Mrs. Clare raised her voice. "Worse when the daughter hung up, she did not quench the old woman's curiosity; instead, she placidly drank her coffee, went to her desk, and began to postmark a pile of letters."(68). Mrs. Clare after receiving the news also doesn't show much emotion towards it. Instead when Mother Truitt asks, Mrs. Clare replies, "BECAUSE HE'S DEAD. And Bonnie too. And Nancy. And the boy. Somebody shot them." "Myrt - don't say things like that. Who shot them?"" (69). We can see how one is shocked while the other one shows disinterest. I would be shocked to hear about a nearby murder. Even worse if its people I know.

It might be difficult to interpret every single persons response to death. Though we are clear it has mixed feelings.

But Why?

It seems that this might be the most asked question in Capote's In Cold Blood: why did they kill them? We have been given a lot of information about the people involved, the Clutters and Dick and Perry, but not on the reasons for the murder. The only potential answer that Capote gives us, "Why this unreasonable anger at the sight of others who are happy or content, this growing contempt for people and the desire to hurt them?"(43).

We can infer that the Clutters are a relatively happy family. Nancy being popular, Kenyon being himself, Mr. Clutter being a successful leader, and Mrs. Kenyon doing her own thing. Though I doubt that the reason for the murder is Perry's jealousy of other people's happiness.

In movies such as Taken 2, Terminator, and other action films we are introduced to the reasons of someone's evil actions. Instead Capote does a great job getting into the action without explanation to the reason. It is a great way for the readers to go on fot some light of the reason.

Like everyone else I'll read on for some anticipated answers to this murder.

Not Quite Non-Fiction

We recently started reading Truman Capote's In Cold Blood in class. It's not like the other books we have read in the pasts months, but it sure looks like it. This feature article is quite exceptional as it's a work of non-fiction although I can't wrap my head around how closely it looks like an murder mystery. I have only just started but I'm sure many questions will be answered as I move along.

What makes it seem as a murder mystery are Capote's description of the town and persons in this account. Capote starts of with the description of town, Holcomb, as a very odd and boring place. Not to mention Capote's descriptions give of a very solemn tone to the place. As Capote states, " At one end of the town stands a stark old stucco structure, the roof of which supports an electric sign-DANCE- but the dancing has ceased and the advertisement has been dark for several years." (p. 4). Though the solemn description of the town, Capote illustrates the future of the town, "Unless you include, as one must, the Holcomb School, a good-looking establishment, which reveals a circumstance that the appearance of the community otherwise camouflages: that the parents who send their children to this modern and ably staffed "consolidated" school..." (p 4). With this he represents America's society with one interesting town. 

Another thing that intrigues the reader of how closely Capote's article relates to a novel is the dialogue and character description. Already giving the hint that Mr. Clutter is one of the murder victims, Capote undoubtedly chooses to include dialogue and description. "Though he wore rimless glasses and was of but average height, standing just under five feet ten, Mr.Clutter cut a man's.man figure. (p 6). Again Capote's way to represent American society and relate with the reader before a dreadful end. 

Rhetorical Theater

I had the honor of being part of the High School play: Don Juan. Listening from my friends and classmates reactions, I would say it was a success.  It was great working with such funny and different people. One of the most popular scenes from the play, based on my friends and classmates opinions, was the beach setting. I enjoyed acting as the boasting lifeguard, but it seemed it wasn't just all fun and games, it had a hint of rhetoric to it.

What mainly entertained the audience was the pathos and ethos being manipulated upon them. The lifeguard's confession and bragging of his day lures the audience into thinking he is confident enough to stand and lead, even though he's scared of heights. His cry when he finds out Charlotte is breaking up with him gives the audience a sense of pity towards him, or just simply laughter at him. This lets the lifeguard catch their attention and take his side when fighting for his loved one.

Now we mustn't forget about fallacies. There were a few noticeable ones used in this particular scene. The lifeguard is the one bragging, and what better use of rhetoric is there to make those stories a little more convincing. His misinterpretation of the evidence is clear when he shows off that he can "take on" Don Juan. Just being a few inches smaller but saving his life, the lifeguard assumes he is a better fighter than Don Juan. He also implies that as he "saves" people everyday, Pierrot will always save strangers and be good at it, thus the fallacy of antecedent.

Thanks to this years course of English I am now able to understand books, movies and plays in a whole new level not only laughing but also thinking "I see what you did there."