In Cold Blood Blog Response #3

In part III of the novel readers get "Answers" and some of these are not easy to read.  This is especially the case on pages 232-246 when the reader is given access to Perry Smith's side of the story.  Consider this section of the novel and respond to one of the following prompts.  What is most striking about Perry's confession and the way in which Capote writes it?  What is Perry's tone as he retells the story of the night the Clutters were murdered and how is this tone conveyed?  How does Perry seem to transform as he tells this story and how is this change both consistent with and a departure from what we know about Perry?  Remember to use direct quotations from the novel and provide page numbers for support.  Close analysis is necessary. Also, avoid personal pronouns in your response.

In Cold Blood Blog Response #2

Part II of the novel, "Persons Unknown", provides extensive information about Dick and Perry.   In fact, the reader leaves the Clutters and Holcomb behind completely. For example, on page 110 of the text Capote details a conversation between the killers.  Perry is ruminating about the murders, even though his partner has told him to cease any discussion of the crime.  He says to Dick, 'I think there must be something wrong with us' and this is an "admission he 'hated to make.'"  This is just one example of the very telling information reader are privy to in part II.  Point to other passages in part II where the reader really begins to get a sense of whom Dick and Perry are.  Please include specific details and page numbers, as many people were far too vague in their earlier blog posts.  Use direct quotations for support and be sure that you are not simply repeating the thoughts of those who have posted before you.  Analyze the textual evidence which you include.

                                                                                   

If you repeat the same post as another student, you will not receive credit.  In addition, I will assess your ability to correctly lead into quotations.

Blog Rubric #2

In Cold Blood Blog Response Rubric

Here is a link to the rubric you guys will be using for your blog posts.  You can use this to help you write your response.  Be sure to explain your ideas and the textual evidence you are using for support. Also, be sure to lead into your textual evidence and to cite the page number for reference.

Blog Rubric

Student Prompt #1: Part I Rhetorical Analysis

In part I of In Cold Blood the reader is introduced to Holcomb, Kansas and its residents. Specifically, the reader learns more about the Clutter family. Essentially, this is the novel's exposition- it shares the background information necessary to understand the impact this tragedy has on the community.  Why is it so important for the reader to know about the town, its inhabitants, and, of course, the Clutters before any action takes place?  How, rhetorically, does Capote go about relaying this information to the reader?  Please discuss specific rhetorical strategies that Capote uses and analyze what effect each has on the reader's understanding of and engagement in the novel.  For your response, mentioning one specific strategy and providing textual evidence and explanation is adequate. Remember to use in text citations and to lead into quotations.