With this book, Truman has been credited with developing a new genre of writing: "literary non-fiction." What might that term mean, and how does In Cold Blood differ from straight crime reporting? Why did Capote create the kind of story he did, and what is its impact on the reader of this new approach?

Sub-boards: EB, 2nd Period, 4th Period

Essential Questions (pick ONE to answer):

1. Why is there a fascination with true crime in America? In what ways does In Cold Blood provide insight into the nature of American crime and how we react to it?

2. Perry says to Dick: “…once a thing is set to happen, all you can do is hope it won’t. Or will – depending. As long as you live, there’s always something waiting, and even if it’s bad, and you know it’s bad, what can you do?” (92) What does Perry mean by this statement? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

Sub-boards: EB, 2nd Period, 4th Period