Until one morning in mid-November of 1959, few Americans - in fact, few Kansans - had ever heard of Holcomb.
-- Author (Chapter 1 paragraph 5)

Importance: This statement is part of the introduction to the book. Capote tries to capture the innocence of Holcomb in the time before the Clutter murders in order to show the profound impact the murders had on the village as well as a large section of America.

In regard to his family, Mr. Clutter had just one serious cause for disquiet - his wife's health.
-- Author (Chapter 1 paragraph 8)

Importance: This quote underscores the normal life of the Clutter family. It also begins to explain why Clutter's wife was found in a separate bedroom after the murders and what her relationship was like with her family in the years leading up to the murders.

His tiny feet, encased in short black boots with steel buckles, would have neatly fitted into a delicate lady's dancing slippers; when he...
-- Author (Chapter 1 paragraph 19)