Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Grade Level: 11-12 (This novel deals with mature themes and violence)

Subject: American Literature

Time Allotment: 5-6 Weeks (depending on reading pace and activities)

Learning Objectives:

Students will analyze Truman Capote's innovative approach to true-crime writing, coined "The New Journalism."
Students will understand the events surrounding the Clutter family murders in Holcomb, Kansas, and their impact on the community.
Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the psychological motivations of the murderers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock.
Students will explore the themes of violence, alienation, and the American Dream in the novel.
Students will improve close reading, research, and communication skills through discussions, activities, and writing assignments.

Materials:

Copies of "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
Images and articles related to the Clutter family murders (with discretion due to sensitive content)
Whiteboard or projector
Markers or pens
Handouts with key concepts, vocabulary definitions, discussion prompts, and graphic organizers
Access to online resources (optional)

Lesson Outline:

Week 1: Introduction and The New Journalism

Day 1: Introduction: Brainstorm student understanding of true-crime writing. Introduce Truman Capote and the concept of "The New Journalism."
Day 2-3: Early Chapters: Students read the first chapters focusing on the introduction of the Clutter family and the idyllic portrayal of Holcomb, Kansas.
Day 4: Activity: Students research the concept of the American Dream and its connection to the portrayal of the Clutter family.
Day 5: Discussion: Analyze Capote's writing style and techniques used to create a sense of normalcy and innocence in Holcomb.

Week 2: The Murders and Investigation

Day 6-7: The Murders: Students read about the discovery of the Clutter family murders and the initial investigation.
Day 8: Activity: Students create a timeline of events from the murders to the apprehension of Perry Smith and Dick Hickock.
Day 9-10: Impact on the Community: Analyze the impact of the murders on the small town of Holcomb. Discuss the themes of violence and loss of innocence.

Week 3: The Killers: Perry Smith and Dick Hickock

Day 11-12: Perry Smith: Students read chapters focusing on Perry Smith's background, motivations, and psychological state.
Day 13: Activity: Students analyze excerpts from the novel focusing on Perry's internal monologue and childhood experiences. Consider the concept of empathy and the construction of a villain.
Day 14-15: Dick Hickock: Compare and contrast Perry and Dick's personalities, motivations, and roles in the crime.

Week 4: Trial, Execution, and Reflection

Day 16-17: The Trial: Students read about the trial and its aftermath. Discuss the legal and moral complexities of the case.
Day 18: Activity: Students research the death penalty and participate in a debate on capital punishment.
Day 19-20: Reflection and Aftermath: Analyze Capote's emotional involvement with the case and his portrayal of the characters. Discuss the ethical considerations of writing about real-life tragedies.

Week 5: Legacy of "In Cold Blood" and The New Journalism

Day 21-22: Legacy of the Book: Explore the impact of "In Cold Blood" on the development of true-crime writing and literary non-fiction.
Day 23: Activity: Students write a creative writing piece inspired by the novel (e.g., a journal entry from a character's perspective, a news report from the time).
Day 24-25: The New Journalism: Research other examples of The New Journalism and compare/contrast their techniques with Capote's approach.

Week 6 (Optional): Further Exploration

Day 26: Film Adaptation: Watch a film adaptation of "In Cold Blood" (if available) and discuss its portrayal of the events compared to the novel.
Day 27: Research the Clutter family murders and their lasting impact on the community.
Day 28: Wrap-Up Discussion: Reflect on the enduring themes of the novel and its relevance to contemporary society.