When individuals like the Clutters face unexpected misfortune, it is an intriguing phenomenon. The level of misfortune experienced by the Clutters may go beyond being simply labeled as a misfortune. However, it is undeniably true that when bad things happen to good people like them, their friends and acquaintances cannot help but question morality and contemplate the existence of a higher power, especially God. Capote effectively captured this sentiment through a quote from a schoolteacher who said, “The emotions wouldn’t be as strong if this had happened to someone other than the Clutters. Someone who wasn’t as respected, wealthy, or secure.”
The representation of that family symbolized the core values and respect cherished by the people in this area. The fact that such an unfortunate event could happen to them is equivalent to being informed of the nonexistence of God. It imparts a sense of meaninglessness to life. ” (88) The inquiry regarding the justification for the suffering of virtuous individuals is a highly complex question, one that goes beyond the scope of this essay. The objective of this essay is to ascertain Capote’s stance on this question, specifically within the context of this novel. Does he believe that the Clutters’ demise had a purpose, or was it simply a chance occurrence in which they got entangled?
Within the novel, Detective Dewey is the sole character consumed by the question of meaning. His determination to solve the Clutters’ murder is fueled by his belief that he may stumble upon a significant detail. (83) Although the murder of the Clutters appears to lack any obvious significance, Detective Dewey is not alone in his conviction that human actions hold meaning and that the events in this world possess a distinct order and purpose.
The belief that everything happens for a reason is prevalent, particularly among religious groups. The novel reveals that Holcomb, Kansas, where the Clutters lived, is part of the “Bible Belt” (34), indicating a strong religious presence in the town. Because of his religious upbringing and surroundings, Dewey cannot help but believe that there is a purpose behind the Clutters’ death. Capote’s intention in presenting this belief is unclear to me. It is difficult for me to understand what purpose could possibly justify the brutal murder of a hard-working, wealthy family of four in their own beds, all for the sake of “a few dollars and a radio” (103).
The novel’s structure is unconventional for a “murder-mystery.” It deviates from a chronological telling and intentionally skips over the night of the murder until the very end. What sets it apart even more is that from the start, we are informed that the four Clutters have been murdered, and we are aware of who committed the crime. In a typical murder-mystery, the revelation of the killer is usually the climax. However, Capote goes beyond simply providing us with the killers’ names; he delves into their lives and thoughts, leading up to the murders.
Capote has crafted a novel where the focus is not on discovering who committed the crime against the Clutters, but rather understanding their underlying motivations. Out of all the characters in this story, Dewey alone takes it upon himself to delve into this inquiry. Despite the seemingly senseless and cruel nature of the murders, he firmly believes that personal interests drove the culprits to commit such acts (70). This conviction stems from his intuition that there is something crucial he has yet to uncover.
Throughout the text, the author repeatedly mentions that the police department lacked sufficient knowledge about the case and didn’t comprehend the situation fully. The author meticulously examines all the evidence, scrutinizes all the data, and interrogates all the townspeople who held grudges, had business dealings, or harbored any reason to dislike the Clutters. The author acknowledges that the information presented seems illogical but struggles to find the missing piece, the clue that will unravel the mystery behind their deaths. The author believes that comprehending why the Clutters were killed lies in identifying their killers. Once the culprits are discovered, it will provide insight into their motives for murdering the Clutters.
Unfortunately, despite the information provided by the perpetrators themselves, Dewey is unable to find any conclusive answers. The confessions addressed the questions of how and why, but they did not satisfy his need for a meaningful explanation. The crime was ultimately a random and impersonal act, almost like a psychological accident. It felt as if the victims could have been struck by lightning and it would have been just as arbitrary. (245) While Dewey may believe this statement to be accurate, I personally think it is unfair. Suggesting that the Clutters could have been “killed by lightning” (245) implies that any cause could have brought about their demise.
Although anyone could die at any moment, it is evident that the killers in this case were not just ordinary individuals. The Clutters were a respectable, affluent, and content family who happened to be white. While reading this novel, we may not develop a deep emotional connection with them, but it is undeniable that they were good people. Their neighbors held them in high regard and the community believed that “of all the people in the world, they were the least likely to be murdered” (85). They certainly did not possess qualities that would incite others to desire their demise.
One could argue that the murders were not personal, but I believe a more accurate statement is that it did not matter who killed the Clutters. Instead, Dick and Perry had the capability to kill anyone. The Clutters were chosen randomly because they had a known safe on their property. Without knowledge of the safe, it is probable that Dick and Perry would have never encountered the Clutters. It is crucial to mention that the killers, particularly Dick, were fully prepared to murder up to twelve people on that November night.
Dick was uncertain about the attendees, but he realized it was insignificant. He was determined to do whatever it took to ensure the success of his and Perry’s venture. The fact that they only acquired a radio and approximately 40 or 50 dollars from the transaction wasn’t significant. The Clutters symbolized the epitome of the American Dream, embodying a lifestyle that resonated with all Americans. However, if their deaths were purposeless and lacked meaning, it would suggest that the American Dream itself is also dead. It would be akin to being informed of God’s nonexistence (88).
If the American Dream is no longer alive, then simply being a decent person is insufficient to shield oneself from the negativity present in society. In my opinion, despite Dewey’s pursuit of understanding in the face of this tragedy, it is my contention that he ultimately fails to find the answers he seeks. The general expectation was for the culprits to embody monstrosity, malevolence, or at least show remorse. However, I believe that Dick and Perry did not meet the public’s perception of the Clutter family’s murderers. (Capote, 1993)
