* "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Capote directly references this classic novel, drawing a parallel between the Clutter family and the enigmatic Gatsby. The description of the Clutter home as "a haven of order" echoes Gatsby's extravagant mansion, both symbolizing a striving for unattainable perfection.
* "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: The description of Perry Smith's emotional state, his "unfathomable loneliness," evokes Holden Caulfield's alienation. Both characters yearn for connection and understanding in a world that feels cruel and indifferent.
* The Bible: Capote frequently utilizes Biblical imagery and allusions, particularly in the portrayal of Perry. His "spiritual hunger" and the "redemption" he seeks parallel the themes of sin and salvation found in religious texts. The narrative's cyclical structure, with the Clutter family's brutal murder and the killers' eventual execution, mirrors the biblical motif of "an eye for an eye."
* Mythology: Capote's use of "The Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, with its themes of guilt and remorse, is particularly relevant to Perry's internal struggle. He feels burdened by his actions and seeks forgiveness, much like the sailor in the poem.
* Shakespeare: The scene where Perry and Dick, after the murders, are caught in a blizzard mirrors the storm scene in "King Lear." The storm symbolizes the chaos and turmoil within them, as they struggle to cope with the consequences of their actions.
These are just a few examples of allusions used by Capote in "In Cold Blood." By using these references, Capote enriches the narrative, adding layers of meaning and connecting the story to wider cultural and literary themes. He crafts a compelling, timeless story that resonates with readers even today.