In Cold Blood Part 3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How was Herb Clutter viewed by other members of the Holcomb community?

Herb was viewed as a well-respected but reserved community man, known for being very kind.

Outline the details of 'the score' as it is conceived by Dick and Perry.

Dick and Perry planned to steal $10,000 from a safe they thought was in the Clutter's house and then live a luxurious life in Mexico.

Why didn't Dick's parents approve of his association with Perry?

They didn't like the idea of him befriending his inmates.

Describe Kenyon Clutter.

Kenyon Clutter was an awkward teenage boy focused on cars and inventing, standing six feet tall with a hemp-colored crew cut and lanky glasses. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Dewey's two differing scenarios/concepts of the crime.

One scenario suggests a single killer with a grudge, while the second assumes an accomplice, although both are deemed problematic. Signup and view all the answers

What is Perry's premonition as he and Dick sit reading the paper in the diner a few days later?

Perry thinks the investigators have clues to catch them, reminiscent of a previous experience in Japan. Signup and view all the answers

How do Dick and Perry come up with money to support themselves in the days after the murders?

They begin dropping bogus checks in Kansas City. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dick express some small measure of regret for his method of accruing money?

He realizes his father will face the consequences of his actions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to each of Dewey's leads in the case?

Each tip must be followed up on but none turn out to be substantial initially. Signup and view all the answers

At this point in the novel, describe the effect Dewey's work is having on his wife and children.

Dewey's obsession is isolating his family, disrupting their normal life. Signup and view all the answers

What does Beverly Clutter decide to do just three days after the funeral of her father, mother, and brother?

Three days after the funeral, she has her wedding. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Perry's family background.

Perry's mother struggled with drinking, he faced abuse in an orphanage, and had a turbulent relationship with his father. Signup and view all the answers

What event in the opening pages of this section turns the investigation around?

Floyd Wells decides to tell the Warden what he knows about the Clutter murders. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Perry disturbed by a newspaper account he reads when he and Dick arrive in Miami?

He reads about a murder in Tallahassee that is very similar to the Clutter's case, making him fear being caught. Signup and view all the answers

What tone characterizes Hickock's attitude when he is being interrogated by police after being apprehended in Las Vegas?

Hickock is cocky and arrogant, thinking he is a smart criminal mastermind. Signup and view all the answers

What is learned about the killers through Capote's re-creating Smith's account of the events of the night of the murder?

We realize Perry seeks acceptance but his actions were unnecessary; they could have avoided severe punishment. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marie, Dewey's wife, react when she sees pictures of Dick and Perry?

She is upset and transfixed by their eyes, regretting seeing them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'ambivalent' mean?

Undecided Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'corroborated' mean?

Confirmed Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'dissuaded' mean?

Persuaded not to do something Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'timbre' refer to?

Pitch or tone Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'palliatives' mean?

Anything that relieves symptoms of an illness but does not cure it Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'ominous' signify?

Warning of danger Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'emaciated' mean?

Thin Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'egomaniacal' mean?

Conceited Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'querulous' mean?

Whining Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'tarpaulin' mean?

Waterproof canvas Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'thanatoid' mean?

Death-like Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'urchin' mean?

A mischievous child Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'beckoned' mean?

Called Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'expurgated' mean?

Purged; cleansed Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'feloniously' mean?

Involving a felony Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'festooning' mean?

Hanging a string of items connected from one point to another Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'fusillade' mean?

A discharge Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'impertinent' mean?

Improperly bold Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'methodical' mean?

Systematic Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'recapitulation' mean?

A summary Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'reconnoitered' mean?

Inspected Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'sundry' mean?

Various Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the last sentence of this section have? '...the year's first snow began to fall.'

It reflects changing times and moods throughout the novel. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Herb Clutter's Reputation

Herb Clutter was a respected and reserved member of the Holcomb community, known for his kindness.

The "Score" Concept

Dick and Perry aimed to steal $10,000 from a safe they believed was in the Clutter household, planning to enjoy a luxurious life in Mexico.

Family Disapproval

Dick's parents opposed his friendship with Perry due to concerns about associating with inmates.

Kenyon Clutter's Description

Kenyon Clutter, an awkward teenager, was six feet tall with a crew cut and glasses, more interested in cars and inventions than girls.

Dewey's Crime Scenarios

Dewey considered two theories regarding the Clutter murders: one killer with a grudge and a second scenario involving an accomplice, questioning the feasibility of either.

Perry's Premonitions

Perry sensed that police had clues to catch them, recalling a similar premonition during his time in Japan. Dick dismissed Perry's concerns as unfounded.

Post-Murder Finances

Dick and Perry engaged in passing fake checks in Kansas City to gather cash for their escape to Mexico.

Regret Over Actions

Dick felt a twinge of regret for causing trouble for his father as a consequence of their criminal activities.

Investigation Leads

Many tips Dewey received regarding the case quickly proved unhelpful, complicating his investigation and disrupting his family life.

Dewey's Family Strain

Dewey's obsessive pursuit of the murderers led to his physical and mental decline while isolating his family from normal life.

Beverly Clutter's Decision

Three days post-funeral, Beverly Clutter chose to go ahead with her wedding.

Perry's Troubled Childhood

Perry's childhood was marked by instability, with an alcoholic mother and abusive experiences in an orphanage, leading to a tumultuous relationship with his father.

Turning Point in Investigation

Floyd Wells decided to reveal his knowledge about the Clutter murders to the Warden, marking a significant shift in the investigation.

Perry's Distress

Upon arriving in Miami, Perry became anxious after reading about a similar murder, fearing they might be linked to the Clutter case.

Dick Hickock's Attitude

During police interrogation in Las Vegas, Dick displayed arrogance, believing he was a clever criminal.

Insights from Capote's Recap

Capote’s narration reveals Perry's desire for acceptance, suggesting that the murders were unnecessary as they could have left the Clutter home without consequences.

Marie Dewey's Reaction

Marie was unsettled by images of Dick and Perry, particularly drawn to their eyes, expressing a wish not to have seen them.

Vocabulary Notes

Ambivalent: undetermined or conflicted feelings.
Corroborated: confirmed or supported.
Dissuaded: persuaded not to take a particular action.
Timbre: the quality of a sound.
Palliatives: remedies that relieve symptoms but don't cure.
Ominous: indicating future danger.
Emaciated: extremely thin due to lack of food.
Egomaniacal: excessively conceited or self-absorbed.
Querulous: inclined to complain or whine.
Tarpaulin: a waterproof canvas covering.
Thanatoid: resembling death.
Urchin: a playful or mischievous child.
Beckoned: signaled or called over.
Expurgated: removed unwanted content.
Feloniously: relating to or involving a crime.
Festooning: decorating or adorning.
Fusillade: simultaneous discharge of many firearms.
Impertinent: disrespectfully bold.
Methodical: orderly and systematic.
Recapitulation: a brief summary or review.
Reconnoitered: to observe or inspect.
Sundry: various or diverse.

Impact of Weather Descriptions

Capote often uses weather descriptions to symbolize changes in time and mood throughout the narrative, like snow falling at a significant moment.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Part 3 of Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood' with these flashcards. Explore key characters like Herb Clutter and the motivations of Dick and Perry. This interactive quiz will enhance your understanding of the narrative and its characters.