Post by etana on Dec 7, 2014 18:52:39 GMT
I like where the book ended, as it reminded the reader that the book is still about the murder, not just the killers. The end also proves that life goes on after tragedy, whether Hickock and Smith had been punished for it or not, though the remaining Clutters either avoided confronting their reality or attempted to forget it and move on. Even though Sue was very close to Nancy, and the plans they had made together were remembered, it didn't seem to affect how she went on with her life. Bobby Rupp even moved on, despite how he was basically a part of the family as well. I also think Capote continued the story through Dewey after the announcement of Smith and Hickock's death to recount how the audience reacted to the situation, and to include their last words. The last words of Hickock almost proved for a final time that he didn't see himself as guilty for the crimes, implying that he could be angry at the justice system for sentencing him; Smith, on the other hand, acknowledges his fault in a mildly insightful way: though he knows he killed, he doesn't believe in judicial killing. Smith also, unlike Hickock, says sorry. Hickock essentially says 'it's okay you guys, I understand why you're doing this, thanks for letting me move on', while Smith knows he was in the wrong and knows nobody cares for an apology over a life, but he gives it anyways.