Tone

Capote's tone reflects his view towards the ordinary aspects of the village of Holcomb. He takes on a degrading attitude towards the village. "The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call 'out there'" (Capote). The fact that other Kansans call it "out there" shows that the village is not worthy of recognition. His usage of the word "lonesome" emphasizes the isolation from development which leads to an unadvanced, common community. The author describes practically the entire village, "and that really is all" (Capote). This matter-of-fact, blunt statement shows how Capote undermined the significance of Holcomb. "Not that there is much to see," Holcomb was "simply an aimless congregation of buildings" (Capote). The word "aimless" emphasizes how there is no progression towards individuality. The overall statement shows his derision towards he inferior society embraces in Holcomb. The overall tone of the passage shifts when "you include, as one must, the Holcomb school, a good-looking establishment, which reveals a circumstance that the appearance of the community otherwise camouflages" (Capote). His attitude is more interested towards the school than he was towards the entire village because it was "a good-looking" establishment. This foreshadows that extraordinary can come out of something ordinary.

K. Dos Santos, C. Brown, & L. Oseguera.