WorksheetsIn Cold Blood Part One Quiz
Total questions: 25
Worksheet time: 25mins
The book was written by _____.
The book was published in _____.
The book was considered a pioneer in the _____ ____ genre.
Truman Capote
1966
True Crime
Al Capone
1999
True Crime
Truman Capote
1940
Fantasy
Harper Lee
1949
Historical Fiction
How does Capote most clearly establish the setting of Holcomb, Kansas in Part One?
By giving an extended history of the town’s founding
By describing the dry climate, the flat landscape, and the prevalence of wheat fields
By focusing on the nightlife and entertainment in Holcomb
By listing the town’s industries and factories
Which sentence from Part One best supports the description of Holcomb as isolated?
"The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call 'out there.'"
“The town had several large universities within an hour, which made it an attractive place for families."
“Holcomb was only a few blocks from a major highway and a busy airport.”
“The town had ornate architecture from the nineteenth century.”
How does Capote's description of the landscape surrounding Holcomb contribute to the narrative?
It creates a sense of isolation that heightens the horror of the crimes.
It emphasizes the prosperity of the region, explaining the Clutters' wealth.
It serves merely as geographical information without thematic significance.
Which quote best illustrates the town's reaction to the murders?
“I’d been dazed, too numb, to feel the full viciousness of it. The suffering. The horror.”
“You live till you die, and it doesn’t matter how you go; dead’s dead.”
“Murdered. Meaning double indemnity. I didn’t know what to do.”
"At the time not a soul in sleeping Holcomb heard them - four shotgun blasts that, all told, ended six human lives."
How did Herbert Clutter become successful and wealthy?
He was born into a rich family.
He worked hard and had confidence when others didn’t believe in him.
He won a lawsuit against a pilot who crash landed into his fruit trees.
He discovered natural gas on his property and made a lot of money.
Which of the following best describes the Clutter family's reputation in Holcomb?
They were viewed as wealthy but unfriendly.
They were considered outsiders and kept to themselves.
They were respected and admired for their integrity and generosity.
They were known for frequent arguments with neighbors.
Which quote best describes Herbert Clutter's image of a self-made man?
"He wore rimless glasses and was of but average height ... His shoulders were broad … his square-jawed, confident face retained a healthy-hued youthfulness…."
"He was not as rich as the richest man in Holcomb, but he was still widely known."
"Always certain of what he wanted from the world, Mr. Clutter had in large measure obtained it."
What was Nancy Clutter known for in her community?
Her rebellious nature
Her academic struggles
Her leadership and homemaking skills
Her desire to leave Holcomb
Which quote best describes Nancy Clutter's character?
"She was the town darling, 'the prettiest girl in Holcomb, the nicest, the smartest,' an honor-roll student, the president of her class, a leader in the 4-H Club ..."
"Nancy had baked an apple pie, and three loaves of her famous cinnamon bread; and now, having completed her chores, she was waiting for her friend to arrive."
"Nancy had won the annual 4-H cherry-pie-baking contest and had been awarded a blue ribbon and a twenty-five-dollar check."
Which quote best illustrates Kenyon's character?
... in temperament he was not in the least Mr. Clutter’s son but rather Bonnie’s child, a sensitive and reticent boy,”
... sturdy, strong, but cursed with a lanky boy’s lack of muscular coordination.
Kenyon resembled neither of his parents physically; his crewcut hair was hemp-colored, and he was six feet tall and lanky,
Which of the following best characterizes Bonnie Clutter?
the "town darling," she is smart and beautiful, and she involved in the community despite occasional health problems
severe depression since the birth of her youngest, fragile, affectionate, and deeply ashamed of her condition
the social center of the Clutter household; actively participated in community leadership roles
Which quote provides evidence about Bonnie Clutter's health?
"She had … been 'feeling sad' since her two oldest daughters married and left home."
"She had spent her life as an invalid, though no one could say what was wrong with her."
"Everyone knew she had been an on-and-off psychiatric patient the last half-dozen years."
What quote reflects Herb Clutter's opinion of Bobby Rupp, Nancy's boyfriend?
"Mr. Clutter liked Bobby, and considered him ... most dependable and gentlemanly; however ... he suggested that Nancy discontinue “'seeing so much of Bobby,.'”
"Because you and Bobby are a very happy thing. And it
will be something happy to think back about—if you’re left alone. Can’t
you make your father understand that?”
"... mentioning
the name of Bobby Rupp. For Bobby, as he was to learn before nightfall,
was their principal suspect."
What was the response of law enforcement when they first discovered the crime?
They immediately suspected a family member.
They kept all the details secret from the public.
They were overwhelmed by the brutality and scale of the crime.
They called in the FBI.
What was Mr. Stoecklein's role at River Valley Farm?
Mr. Clutter's business manager
He was the farm's hired hand who lived on the property
the local veterinarian who cared for the animals
Mr. Clutter's brother-in-law who helped with harvesting
What did Mr. Stoecklein report hearing on the night of the murders?
Two cars driving away at high speed and the dog barking
Two distinct gunshots but nothing else
A car driving away but nothing unusual
A woman screaming
Who was the last to see the Clutters alive and is therefore the prime suspect?
Bob Johnson
Mr. Helm
Mrs. Helm
Bobby Rupp
What ironic event occurred around the time of the murders?
Herb bought an insurance policy the day before he died.
Mr. Stoecklein didn’t hear Bobby leave, but he heard gunshots.
Mr. Helm had a feeling something was wrong the last time he saw Nancy and Kenyon.
The family dog had disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
How does the response of Bobby Rupp, Nancy's boyfriend, to the murders provide insight into his character?
His anger demonstrates his volatile personality.
His emotional devastation reveals the depth of his feelings for Nancy.
His calm reaction suggests he knew about the crime beforehand.
His immediate flight from town reveals his guilt.
Which piece of evidence supports the claim that Capote intended Part One to read like a portrait of a community as much as a report of a crime?
Capote has a clear bias against the Clutters, Kansas, and the KBI. He sets the Clutters up as willing victims.
Extended passages describe Holcomb’s geography, institutions, social life, and individual residents alongside the crime narrative.
The narrative heavily details the crime and the forensic methods used in the investigation.
What detail in the text explains why the sheriff thought robbery might not be the motive?
The presence of bound and gagged victims
Bobby was the last to see them alive.
The phone lines had been cut.
Herb never carried cash.
Based on the crime scene details, what can be inferred about the perpetrators?
They left substantial evidence pointing to their identities.
They committed the crime as a spontaneous act of passion.
They appeared to have specific knowledge about the house layout.
They were in cahoots with Alfred Stoeklein, who conveniently did not hear the shotgun blasts.
How does Capote use small town daily routines to build mood in Part One?
By depicting the hectic lives led by most citizens of Holcomb
By showing ordinary routines that create a calm, predictable rhythm
By featuring political debates about McCarthyism
By focusing on international news instead of local life
What does the following quote reveal about Holcomb: "Until one morning in mid-November of 1959, few Americans—in fact, few Kansans—had ever heard of Holcomb"?
The town had a famous historical landmark that was underappreciated.
The town was famous for its agricultural contributions.
The town was largely unknown before the Clutter murders.
The town was about to experience significant economic growth.
