Death Sentences The Aesthetics and Politics of Last Words in In Cold Blood, Capote, and Infamous
| dc.contributor.advisor | Reckson, Lindsay Vail, 1982- | |
| dc.contributor.author | Melville, Hannah | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2020-08-04T20:10:50Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2020-08-04T20:10:50Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2020 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Perry Smith's last words in Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and two recent cinematic adaptations of the novel, Capote and Infamous, cumulatively challenge the concept of finality. The content and portrayal of Smith's execution within the novel and films break down social expectations about life, character, and last words. While all three are largely considered final, the existence of In Cold Blood and its adaptations disproves this prevalent assumption. Each source presents Smith as redeemable despite the brutal murder of the Clutters and, in doing so, establishes the permanent possibility of redemption. The very notion of death is undermined as the narrative within the novel serves to immortalize Smith's character despite the execution – a socially dictated end. In the case of last words, the understanding of their role and limits is deconstructed through their recreation and reframing. Ultimately, In Cold Blood, Capote, and Infamous interrogate formal and narrative assumptions about finality. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Haverford College. Department of English | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10066/22643 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.rights.access | Open Access | |
| dc.rights.uri | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Capote, Truman, 1924-1984. In cold blood | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Smith, Perry Edward, 1928-1965 | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Capote (Motion picture) | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Infamous (Motion picture) | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Capote, Truman, 1924-1984. -- Criticism and interpretation | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Last words | |
| dc.title | Death Sentences The Aesthetics and Politics of Last Words in In Cold Blood, Capote, and Infamous | |
| dc.type | Thesis |