Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to Truman Capote-1

1.2 Introduction to In Cold Blood-1

1.3 Literature Review-2

Chapter Two Theory of New Journalism-4

2.1 Definition and Development of New Journalism-4

2.2 Main Features of New Journalism-5

Chapter Three New Journalism in In Cold Blood-7

3.1 Factual Accuracy-7

3.1.1 Copious Research for the Book-7

3.1.2 Presentation of True Crime-8

3.2 Dramatic Literary Techniques-9

3.2.1 Settings-9

3.2.2 Characterization-11

3.2.3 Full Dialogues-12

3.2.4 Symbolic Details-13

3.3 Subjective Journalism-14

3.3.1 Participatory Reporting-14

3.3.2 Highlighting Psychological Descriptions-15

Chapter Four Conclusion-17

References-18

Abstract

Known as one of the most talented American writers in 1950s and 1960s, Truman Capote creates 14 unique novels, a large number of short fictions, biographies and literary theory books. In Cold Blood, his nonfictional novel, which reflects features of New Journalism, lays his unique status in the literary history. New Journalism is a writing technique which combines literary touches with the unemotional news reporting. It focuses on the description of dialogues, settings, and psychological activities. It also pays much attention to the presentations for the details. On the basis of the previous researches, the thesis tends to make a detailed analysis of the writing skills in In Cold Blood, demonstrating how the author highlights its theme by way of deft use of New Journalism. I hope this perspective will enrich the diversified researches of the works and help the readers to understand In Cold Blood in a comprehensive manner.

This thesis is made up of four chapters. Chapter one is an introduction to Truman Capote, In Cold Blood and literature review. Chapter two focuses on the definition, development and features of New Journalism. Chapter three analyses the application of New Journalism in In Cold Blood, mainly covering factual accuracy, dramatic literary techniques, and subjective journalism. Chapter four makes a conclusion of this thesis.

Key words: Truman Capote  In Cold Blood  New Journalism