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.
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Explain the symbolism of the big yellow bird.
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What was Dick's motivation for invading the Clutter place according to his statement?
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What does Dick admit to in his statement to the psychiatrist?
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Why does Capote include Dr. Jones's report in the book?
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Why does Perry go on a hunger strike?
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How does Dick attempt to appeal his conviction?
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What were the bases of Hickock's appeals?
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What is the effect of the alliteration in the closing sentence?
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What is Capote's title for section four, and why is it relevant?
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Who was Floyd Wells, and what happened to him after the Clutter case?
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Why does Capote include Donald Cullivan?
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What does Perry tell Don Cullivan about why he killed the Clutters?
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What is the referent for 'it' in Perry's statement, 'The Clutters were the ones who had to pay for it'?
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What does the inclusion of Lowell Lee Andrews contribute to the novel?
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Distinguish between the M'Naghten Rule and the Durham rule.
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Explain the M'Naghten Rule and its role in the trial.
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How many years passed from the murder to the execution?
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What were Hickock's last words?
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Discuss the imagery and meaning of the last paragraph of the novel.
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Describe Dick and Perry's living arrangements in the Garden City jail.
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What does the Sheriff of Sarasota County, Florida, want from Dick and Perry?
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How do the killers' individual escape plans differ?
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What are the arguments for and against holding the trial in Garden City?
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What upsets Dick's mother the most?
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How do both sides appeal to religion in regards to the death penalty?
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Describe the crimes of Lowell Lee Andrews.
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When are Dick and Perry finally executed?
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What details in Part IV imply Capote's opposition to the death penalty?
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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.