How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of Western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call "out there." […] Not that there's much to see—simply an aimless congregation of buildings divided in the center by the main-line tracks of the Santa Fe railroad […]. (1.1-2)
In the first sentence, we see the isolation of this kinda shabby little town in the middle of nowhere. This sets us up with a sense of foreboding—no one can hear you scream.
Quote #2
Situated at the end of a long, lanelike driveway shaded by rows of Chinese elms, the handsome white house, standing on an ample lawn of groomed Bermuda grass, impressed Holcomb; it was a place people pointed out." (1.12)
More isolation—that long driveway. It's true; no one hears them scream. The imagery of the Clutters' impressive house drives home to the reader how vulnerable they are, even with all their wealth and success.