Question 2

[baileyfessler]

      I did like how the book ended because it paralleled how the book began. Before the murder of the Clutter family, the town of Holcolmb was quiet and uneventful, and the end of the book shows the town slowly returning to its previous state with only a faint and respectful remembrance of the tragic event. The town's cycle from hectic back to calm reflects the cycle of life and death, and shows that no matter how tragically consuming an event might be, life eventually goes on. Those that were extremely close to the Clutter's and the case, like Alvin Dewey and Susan Kidwell, more often think about the murders and experience painful thoughts about what life would be like with the Clutters still alive. However even these people who shared a deep connection with the Clutters moved on in life, with Susan attending college, Alvin Dewey continuing his work as sheriff, and Bobby Rupp getting married. The book coming full circle realistically portrayed how society is not forever fixated on a single jarring event, but eventually returns to its original state, only slightly changed.
     Additionally, I do not think the book should have ended sooner. The lengthy portrayal of the multiple trials that took place realistically showed how long the trial process takes and how the fates of Perry and Dick were not immediately sealed, even with a multitude of condemning evidence. Because of the elongation of the trial process, by the time the reader reaches the depiction of Dick and Perry receiving the death penalty, a strange sense of remorse is built up for Perry, even though he is responsible for the taking of four innocent lives.

[16sellersn]

I agree very much with Bailey about the ending of the book. It fits the lay out of the story and makes the story become even more real. Its portrays what its like in real life with tragedies as life is very hectic during the tragedy and around it but as time goes on life goes on and we grow to overlook these tragedies. We always have memories and respect of these events but we move and keep the normal flow of life. This horrible tragedy fits Holcomb perfectly as the peaceful town grows into a up rise and then returns back to its normal ways.

[ellievancuren]

I agree with Bailey and Noah about the beginning and ending of the book representing the cycle of life and death and I find that idea very insightful. Although sad that people such as Bobby and Susan moved on with their lives without Nancy, it is a necessary part of life and it is reassuring knowing that these two as well as many of those others that were close to the Clutters found peace and were able to move past this terrible event. However, I think that the book could have ended sooner. I know Capote was trying to demonstrate Dick and Perry's lengthy stay on Death Row by giving in-depth descriptions, but I feel that towards the end the author began to sound redundant. The readers knew that they were both going to end up receiving the death penalty and it seemed somewhat pointless for Capote to continue to describe their efforts to avoid their punishment.

[McKenzie Messmer]

I completely agree with Bailey, Noah, and Ellie regarding how the book ended, including how it began, as representing the cycle of life and death. Very insightful connection. Holcomb, despite the horrific tragedy of the Clutter's, was able to return back to normal, as well as individuals, such as Bobby and Susan who were eventually able to move on with their lives. I loved where the book ended because it provided a realistic outlook on how death can be postponed, but not forever. It also gave insight to how Dick and Perry did not just rot in a death cell (although Perry did attempt starvation once), but created relationships with fellow death row members, the most significant being "Andy." Capote also engaged the readers to feel sympathy, remorse, and a sense of defeat when Hickock and Smith were finally put to death, even though they killed four innocent people.