Blog Topic #2 Diction
Capote styles his writing so that comparisons make one side of the spectrum seem that much more extreme. Capote commonly juxtaposes the good and evil present. Again, Capote begins writing things that are good and suddenly when incorporates the evil. In Miami Beach “the row of little stucco-and-cement hotels lining a white, melancholy street” (199) serves as one of the settings. The beach even includes an ice cream stand where they serve ‘Valentine Ice-Cream’. However it is also the location of the two killers Dick and Perry. Capote creates a peaceful tone but harshly interrupts it with the uneasy feeling of murder brought about both Dick and Perry.
Being a book about a murder, Capote would need to handle the severity of the case in a professional manner. When describing the images of the victims prior to the murder, Capote uses words such as “meek” “frightened” and “without any premonition of their destiny” for Dewey’s vision (240). Horror is created in this powerful vision and also advances a sense of compassion in his detailing.
When describing Dick’s account, Capote sees “the prospect of so idyllic an interim added to the inspired stealth with which he whetted his wire, filed it to a limber stiletto fineness” (263). Capote finds Dick’s account rather amusing and intriguing. Capote mocks Dick with sarcasm and almost lightens up the mood.
You bring up an interesting point. I was well aware of Capote's skill with juxtapositions but I didn't pick up on his contrast between good and evil. The obvious methods used for such comparisons is seen when switching between the lighter tone utilized during the narration of the Clutters and the ominous tone employed during the latter. It is interesting to see however, that Capote was able to blend in this thematic concept during the general course of the the book. I also agree on your notation of Capote's description of the victims prior to the the murders. Although I believe he was given a rather easy task to create anticipation in the plot. Since the reader was aware of future events, the suspense created to sections prior to the murder were created with ease.
ReplyDeleteI agree, juxtaposition is used frequently throughout this novel. Something that was a little harder to pick up on were the comparisons between good and evil. While references were subtle, I was able to catch a few hints. Me reading your post definitely clarified what Capote's initial purpose had been. The examples truly back up your ideas. I also agree with the first sentence you have written. Capote definitely increased the severity of certain topics, themes, and scenes within this novel again, with the use of juxtaposition. I love your quote about sarcasm towards the end of your analysis. I did not catch the sarcasm at first, but I can see how that works. Well done!
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