In Cold Blood: Socratic Seminar Question

In then end, Dewey reunites with Sue. Why does Capote choose to end the novel is this way?

At the end of In Cold Blood, Truman Capote shares what happens four years after the Clutter family was murdered. Capote uses Dewey, the lead investigator in the Clutter case, to explain what happened years after the Clutter case. It seems appropriate for Capote to end the book with an account from Dewey, because Dewey was very involved in the Clutter Court case and determined to see it through. Throughout the book, the audience sees how Dewey sacrificed family time and his daily routine in order to unearth the answers to his investigation. During the trial, Capote conveys how busy Dewey’s life is: “Now Mrs. Dewey said, ‘Alvin, answer me. Do you think we'll ever have a normal life again?’ He started to reply, but the telephone stopped him (Capote 65). Clearly, the Clutter case became one of Dewey’s main priorities, and he barely had time to tend to his family. However, as Capote ends the story with an account from Dewey, the audience is relieved that all the stress from the trials are gone. The case has come to an end, and Dewey seems much more relaxed. It is evident that his family life is more stable, as Capote states: “Instead, the Deweys had built a new house in town; they were proud of it, and proud, too, of both their sons, who were deep-voiced now and as tall as their father” (Capote 217). The audience can understand from this that Dewey has had time to focus on his family and move on in life. The house that is referred to in this sentence also serves as a symbol of Dewey’s stable family life; how they are all united and living together as one family, proud of the home that they built themselves. As Dewey’s account continues, the audience sees him walking through the local cemetery, recalling different deaths while also noting causes for celebration. He remarks that Judge Tate had died the falling autumn, however Bobby Rupp happened to have gotten married. This bit of information especially resonates with the audience because Bobby Rupp’s marriage proves that he was able to move on life, and set aside his sorrow for Nancy’s death.

Dewey’s last account in the book seems to serve as a reminder that people move on in life, and how people can set aside their sorrows to live more stable lives. Truman Capote even incorporates Susan Kidwell, Nancy’s best friend, in the last couple of passages in the story to prove how people can move on. Dewey encounters Susan in the graveyard, and doesn’t recognize her at first. Susan has matured and is finishing her junior year at the University of Kansas- just like she was planning to do with Nancy Clutter. It is evident that Susan has not forgotten Nancy as she remarks: ‘"Nancy and I planned to go to college together. We were going to be roommates. I think about it sometimes. Suddenly, when I'm very happy, I think of all the plans we made’”(Capote 219). Although Susan lost her closest friend in the murder, it is clear that she was able to overcome her sorrow and cherish the best memories. Capote wraps up the end of the book with a peaceful statement: “ ‘And nice to have seen you, Sue. Good luck,’he called after her as she disappeared down the path, a pretty girl in a hurry, her smooth hair swinging, shining - just such a young woman as Nancy might have been” (Capote 219). This statement sets a nice tone for the end of the book, as the audience can infer that people will never forget the Clutters, but they will move on in life and cherish the best memories.