How Does Presentation of the Clutters Build in Chapter 1?

How does the presentation of the characters in the first part build sympathy for the events in the Clutter family?

As a result of the actions that took place within the Clutter family home on the night of 14th November 1959 anyone would automatically sympathize with the family and the people who loved for them. However, due the presentational devices used by Capote throughout the first part of the novel the audience develop a relationship with each individual character which is demolished after their murder. This encounters the reader’s feelings to increase allowing them to sympathize with the family members much more than they would if they were to read about the family in a newspaper report. Capote develops each character as the first chapter unfolds; he presents each one in an extremely positive and almost holy light enabling the audience to see them for the good natural people they were.

The all American girl, Nancy Clutter, is the symbol of High School perfection she is able to tackle anything that comes her way “how a girl not yet seventeen could haul such a wagon load.” Nancy is a ray of light within the dull town; she is seen as a one off individual as she can do just about everything for her everyday life “she practically runs that big house”. Nancy is presented to the audience as a big hearted loving person who would go out of her way for anyone who was in need of her help “there isn’t anybody like Nancy”. By painting this ideal picture for Nancy Clutter as both a character and a real person it allows the reader to see her as a wholesome person. The outcome of this representation helps build sympathy for her by the audience after the terrible events that took place. As she is so honest and good the audience want to see her blossom into something successful, due to the murder this does not happen and therefore the audience dwell in sympathy for her.

After Capote opens the door into Kenyon’s isolated life the audience automatically gain...