Descriptions Aren't Just Descriptions

Many times we read a book and honestly fall asleep if the sentences are too long and the descriptions go on forever. However, have we ever wondered what the reason behind these descriptions is? For one thing, descriptions (if you don't doze off on them) are used so that the reader can actually imagine the scenario that's present in the book. Isn't this obvious? Scenarios aren't that important in certain books but "In Cold Blood" sure has an accurate description over everything and everyone.

This could be due to the fact that the first chapter is actually describing the last moments in which these six murder victims were seen. You see, it's all kind of like playing Cluedo, you get so many descriptions it feels as if you're playing a never ending puzzle. It feels as if we're actually a part of the famous series CSI Miami.


There are many types of descriptions. but I especially remember sensory description, which in my opinion, is mainly used in "In Cold Blood." Truman Capote activates many of our senses through his descriptions, especially the sight sense. With this, his goal is to pull the reader into the story and get inside the characters minds. "It was from her that he had inherited his coloring-the iodine skin, the dark moist eyes, the black hair, which he kept brilliantined and was plentiful enough to provide him with sideburns and a slippery spray of bangs." (Pg. 16)

These descriptions are necessary in the way that they allow the reader to familiarize with the book's setting, but at the same time add a slow pace to the reading, which could be used to create suspense. Here we can see how the how can once again affect the what. Once again we are back to rhetoric.

The descriptions aren't the only things that characterize "In Cold Blood." As we begin making our way through the book we realize the many long sentences that are used. Sure, these could be used just because the Truman needs to fit these descriptions in these sentences, but there could also be another meaning behind them. Action is slowed down with these long sentences that include many run-ons and pace at this point, as was stated previously, plays a key role. I wonder if short sentences will be used as the murders are further described to add action and suspense to the novel?