In Cold Blood Part 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Mrs. Meier's first impression of Perry Smith?

She thought that he wasn't the worst young man she's ever seen.

How does Mrs. Meier treat Perry?

She treated him kindly rather than treating him as if he were a murderer.

What changes does Perry want to make to his initial statement to police, and why?

He wants to change two details to give Dick's mother some comfort knowing that her son didn't pull the trigger.

Explain the significance of Perry's reaction to the letter written by Don Cullivan.

Perry felt alone and reassured by the letter, knowing someone cared about him. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the symbolism of the big yellow bird.

The big yellow bird represents Perry's desire to escape. Signup and view all the answers

What was Dick's motivation for invading the Clutter place according to his statement?

To rape Nancy Clutter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dick admit to in his statement to the psychiatrist?

He reveals he knew a girl would be there and intended to rape her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Capote include Dr. Jones's report in the book?

To understand Perry and Dick's mental states, which motivated their actions. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Perry go on a hunger strike?

He would rather take his life than have it taken by the police, but later ends it after receiving a postcard from his dad. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dick attempt to appeal his conviction?

He studies law books and plans out his appeal. Signup and view all the answers

What were the bases of Hickock's appeals?

He claims he and Perry had an unfair trial due to jury bias. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the alliteration in the closing sentence?

It creates an eerie atmosphere, almost as if Dewey was being followed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Capote's title for section four, and why is it relevant?

It is called 'The Corner' because Perry was the first man housed in the sixth cell, reserved for women. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Floyd Wells, and what happened to him after the Clutter case?

Floyd Wells was Dick's cellmate, received a $1000 reward and early release for giving the police information. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Capote include Donald Cullivan?

To show that even though he is a killer, he still needs companionship. Signup and view all the answers

What does Perry tell Don Cullivan about why he killed the Clutters?

He killed all four of them, but he isn't sure why. Signup and view all the answers

What is the referent for 'it' in Perry's statement, 'The Clutters were the ones who had to pay for it'?

The hurt inflicted on Perry by other people in his life. Signup and view all the answers

What does the inclusion of Lowell Lee Andrews contribute to the novel?

His story adds to the notion that not everyone is who you think they are. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between the M'Naghten Rule and the Durham rule.

The M'Naghten Rule does not recognize mental illness unless the defendant can distinguish right from wrong while the Durham rule recognizes crime due to mental illness. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the M'Naghten Rule and its role in the trial.

The M'Naghten Rule states that if a defendant can distinguish between right and wrong, insanity is not recognized. Signup and view all the answers

How many years passed from the murder to the execution?

5 and 1/2 years. Signup and view all the answers

What were Hickock's last words?

I just want to say I hold no hard feelings. You people are sending me to a better world than this ever was. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the imagery and meaning of the last paragraph of the novel.

The imagery in the last paragraph evokes powerful emotions and finality. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Dick and Perry's living arrangements in the Garden City jail.

Perry was in a solitary cell for women and treated nicely, while Dick was with many others and always separated. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Sheriff of Sarasota County, Florida, want from Dick and Perry?

DNA evidence. Signup and view all the answers

How do the killers' individual escape plans differ?

Dick's plan involved murdering the warden while Perry's relied on two outside individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the arguments for and against holding the trial in Garden City?

For: The people are indifferent across the state. Against: The jury is biased because they knew the Clutter family. Signup and view all the answers

What upsets Dick's mother the most?

She feels that she failed as a mother because Dick turned out the way he did. Signup and view all the answers

How do both sides appeal to religion in regards to the death penalty?

For: These men committed a sin, so they must pay for it. Against: We are murdering them, making us sinners. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the crimes of Lowell Lee Andrews.

He murdered his family with a .22 shotgun and a handgun. Signup and view all the answers

When are Dick and Perry finally executed?

Wednesday, April 14, 1965. Signup and view all the answers

What details in Part IV imply Capote's opposition to the death penalty?

The fact that the prisoners were 'gasping for breath' and Dewey's reaction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impressions and Treatment

Mrs. Meier views Perry Smith as not the worst young man, showing initial compassion.
She treats Perry kindly, contrasting his identity as a murderer with her understanding of his humanity.

Perry's Character Depth

Perry wishes to amend his police statement to assure Dick's mother her son didn't pull the trigger, revealing empathy and care despite his criminal actions.
Perry's response to Don Cullivan’s letter highlights his feelings of isolation and the value of human connection in his life.

Symbolism and Motivation

The big yellow bird symbolizes Perry's yearning for freedom and escape from his circumstances.
Dick's motivation for invading the Clutter home was centered on the intent to rape Nancy Clutter, admitting his premeditated plan.

Psychological Insights

Capote's inclusion of Dr. Jones's psychiatric report, despite its exclusion from the trial, provides essential context for understanding Perry and Dick's motivations.
Perry initiates a hunger strike as a form of resistance but is swayed to end it upon receiving a heartfelt postcard from his father.

Legal Context and Appeals

Dick actively studies law to plan his appeal, criticizing his trial's fairness based on jury bias.
Hickock's claims of an unfair trial raise questions about the integrity of the judicial process in Kansas.

Narrative Style and Themes

The alliteration in the closing sentence generates a haunting ambiance, emphasizing Dewey's sense of being followed.
Capote's title "The Corner" connects to Perry’s confinement in a cell designated for women, reflecting his unique position in the justice system.

Important Characters

Floyd Wells, Dick’s former cellmate and key informant, earns a reward for providing critical information post-Clutter case, serving as a narrative catalyst.
Donald Cullivan represents the humanity that continues to exist even within the minds of killers, emphasizing the need for companionship.

Philosophical Reflections

Perry acknowledges his uncertain reasoning behind killing the Clutters, indicating a disconnect between actions and justifications.
The M'Naghten Rule, which focuses on the ability to discern right from wrong, plays a vital role in the trial, framing Dick and Perry's mental state.

Capital Punishment Insights

The time from the Clutter murders to execution spanned 5.5 years, illustrating the lengthy legal processes involved in capital punishment.
Hickock’s last words reflect a sense of resignation and philosophical acceptance of his fate.

Living Conditions and Individual Plans

In the Garden City jail, Perry experiences solitary confinement, while Dick shares space with other inmates, underlining their divergent realities.
Dick's escape plan involves a violent approach while Perry's relies on external assistance, showcasing their different moral compasses.

Societal Responses to Crime

The community's reaction to holding the trial in Garden City showcases societal divisions and biases against the Clutter family.
Dick's mother grapples with feelings of parental failure, highlighting the emotional weight carried by family members of criminals.

Religious Dimensions of Justice

Discussions on the death penalty incorporate religious arguments for retribution versus the moral implications of state-sanctioned killing, framing the debate within broader ethical considerations.

Final Outcomes

Lowell Lee Andrews' crime of murdering his family with firearms adds complexity to the narrative landscape of violent crime.
Dick and Perry's execution on April 14, 1965, marks the culmination of their tragic stories and societal rejection of their actions.

Capote's Critique of Capital Punishment

Capote portrays the physical turmoil of prisoners during execution to evoke sympathy, implicitly opposing the death penalty and its inhumane aspects.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Part 4 of 'In Cold Blood' with these flashcards. Explore key moments and character interactions, particularly focusing on Perry Smith's relationships and perceptions. Each card helps deepen your understanding of the narrative and its themes.