Response Post #3

I agree with Brad when he says that both of the novels are excessively descriptive. This allowed both of the books to become more real and make the reader undertsand them more. Also, as Brad says, it seemed to slow down the pace of Updike's book dramatically. I found this useful because it causes the reader to pay more attention to detail and become more involved with the main charatcer. This technique was used more in Capote's book than in Updike's. I believe this is so you can sympathize with Perry and Dick more and see another side to them than just cold blooded killers. If the novel wasn't as detailed with their backgrounds, we would not be left feeling sorry for them, but instead feeling like they got what they deserved with no moral feelings for them what-so-ever.

In the end, like Brad, I belive that use of detailed and excessive backgounds and descriptions was a positive thing. Both novels benefited by it and made them much more interesting.