The American Dream in In Cold Blood by Truman Capote Essay Example

The American Dream is a concept often discussed in the United States, and it’s a commonly debated topic. The American Dream is an idealized way of life, associated with America, the “land of the free.” Can it be quantified into certain concepts or ideals? The truth is, the American Dream is different for everyone, and it’s dependent on the values of each individual person or even family. However, there are many stereotypical ideals associated with the American Dream. Most believe America to be a land of freedom, prosperity, and success, which is why the “American Dream” has led to the growth of its population and the diversity amongst its citizens. But the American Dream is more than just wealth and success, it’s a true test of one’s virtue and good nature.

In the novel, “In Cold Blood,” by Truman Capote, the Clutter family represents the achievement of the American Dream. The first reason being their material wealth, which is, even if not admitted often, the perceived basis of the American Dream. In the novel, Capote discusses the hard-working nature of Mr. Clutter and how it ultimately led to his success. “…but after a decade Mr. Clutter's do-main consisted of over eight hundred acres owned outright and three thousand more worked on a rental basis—and that, as his colleagues admitted, was a pretty good spread'' (Pg. 12). However, the Clutter’s carried high moral values, and were admired throughout their community. They had achieved the American Dream through hard-work and success, and maintained it through their virtue.

In this novel, Capote also goes in depth on the American Dream through the perspective of the criminals, Dick and Perry. With these two characters, the idea of material wealth is also very prominent in their journey to achieve the dream, maybe too prominent. Both Dick and Perry are striving to become wealthy, so that they can achieve and live, the American Dream. This need for material wealth causes them to go to extremes to meet their goal, forcing them to cross a line that they, at least one of them, eventually regret crossing. However, they never consider the persistence and values needed to achieve this dream, they believe that once they have money, the life full of joy and prosperity will follow.

This novel really implies the true foundation of the American Dream. Although most think it’s prosperity and wealth, it’s actually hard work, good moral values, and a passion for family and friends. This is conveyed in the novel “In Cold Blood” through the contrast of the Clutter family and their killers, Dick and Perry. The Clutters had good virtue and persistence, which led to prosperity and wealth. They then continued to maintain that wealth through hard work, and furthered their reputation by how they treated others. Dick and Perry, however, lacked the virtuous qualities need to maintain wealth and prosperity, ultimately leading to their downfall. The American Dream, although different for everyone, required a foundation of good morals, persistence, and a love for life and its gifts.