What's the theme in Capote's In Cold Blood?

Question

I'm having trouble picking up a theme. I'm supposed to write a thesis on how Capote's style of writting in the book (like switching between the Clutter's and the killers, or adding in the long letters from Perry's family) is used to show the theme. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It's been a while, but I think In Cold Blood is a study of crime and violence in America.

The author, Truman Capote, provides a unique look at a true crime; builds suspense and sympathy; and raises questions of good & evil, crime & punishment.

He provides a unique look into the minds of the murderers and the different sides of a horrible event - allowing different voices to tell the story, creating an intimacy between the readers and the murderers, the readers and the victims, and all the other players in this event.