Themes Of Herb Clutter

The theme of the book as it relates to the American Dream is those who take advantage by becoming covetous and acquisitive. The Clutters in this book are described as the ideal American Dream family. Herb Clutter is the head man of the house who makes sure that his family and financial situations are in order. Herb started off with a struggle but eventually worked hard to become the man he became. Even though they were viewed as a rich family toward the community they did have underlying issues that weren’t visible to the outside world. Dick and Perry on the other hand are those who were unable to achieve the American Dream so they were willing to do anything to become successful the easy way even if that means stealing from others. They

were viewed as criminals by the community and outside world which made many people judge them for their actions. They eventually show how the American Dream was demolished by destroying a family who already lived it.
On page 87, the letter that Perry’s sister wrote to him quoted “There is no shame- having a dirty face- the shame comes when you keep it dirty.” In order for Dick and Perry to advance they felt as if they had to commit crimes in order to gain what they wanted. She is telling them that just because you come from a hard life you do not have to live that way. She and Perry came from the same home but she accomplished her American dream. I agree with Capote’s expression of this theme because not all ways of achieving success means that it has to be taken from someone else. These two suffered from greed and psychological issues.
The message of this novel explains that The American Dream is something that one accomplishes but in the end is it really worth the effort you put into it to get there. These men took matter in their own hands just to advance in life which eventually cost them their lives. Even though the Clutters weren’t perfect others viewed them as that which stirred the wrong attention their way. I think the view on this topic may enhance ones reading experience as to go into detail on how one is affected mentally and how they could retaliate and use their anger out in the world. Giving an insight on Perry’s life.