In Cold Blood Part III Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who is Floyd Wells, and what did he tell Dick?

Floyd was a former cellmate of Dick's, and he told Dick information regarding the Clutters, specifically that they had a safe life object in the office.

What did Dick's parents tell Agent Nye regarding all of their son's troubles?

They told him Dick's life story, explaining how he became a bad influence after failing to attend college and getting into legal trouble.

What did Dick and Perry plan to do once they found a ride to Nebraska?

They planned to distract the driver, allowing Dick to take the steering wheel and Perry to attack the driver with a rock.

What did the landlady tell Agent Nye about Perry?

She described him as a bum trying to pawn an old Ford and said he wanted money for a bus ticket. Signup and view all the answers

How does Perry's sister feel about him?

She claims not to know or care about him, yet expresses fear and sympathy toward him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Perry feel about his siblings?

He hates them all out of envy for their education. Signup and view all the answers

What was Dick's ultimate plan?

Dick planned to return to Kansas City due to lack of money. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Agent Dewey wish to reveal his suspects to the media?

He feared that revealing suspects might lead to accusations of innocence before establishing solid evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Why is news about the Clutter case spreading faster in Garden City?

In Holcomb, the Clutter murders were banned topics in local gossip areas. Signup and view all the answers

What did Perry worry about while he waited for Dick?

He worried that Dick might have been arrested for various offenses. Signup and view all the answers

What elements about Dick's personality bothers Perry?

Perry is disturbed by Dick's pedophilic tendencies. Signup and view all the answers

How did Perry and Dick initially feel about the hitchhikers?

Dick was reluctant while Perry wanted to help them. Signup and view all the answers

What concerns does Agent Dewey have even after apprehending Dick and Perry?

Dewey is concerned about the lack of concrete proof and the risk of the story leaking. Signup and view all the answers

What was Dick's plan in Las Vegas?

Dick planned to impersonate an Air Force officer to escape with Perry. Signup and view all the answers

What did the investigators think about Dick when they first met him?

They expected a bigger guy, but found him to be skinny and boyish. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dick react when the agents mention the Clutter family?

Dick becomes visibly nervous. Signup and view all the answers

How does Perry behave throughout his interrogation?

Perry appears fidgety and nervous despite denying involvement. Signup and view all the answers

What happened just before Dick and Perry approached the Clutter house?

The lights in Clutter's hired hand's house went on and off, which could have saved their lives. Signup and view all the answers

How does Agent Dewey feel after Perry tells the story of how he helped murder the Clutter family?

Dewey feels sorrow and fatigue after hearing Perry's account. Signup and view all the answers

What is the only discrepancy in Perry and Dick's stories?

Dick claimed that Perry killed all of the Clutters, while Perry said he killed two women. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Floyd Wells and His Revelation

Floyd Wells, a former cellmate of Dick, disclosed crucial details about the Clutters' safe to Dick.
Fear of being labeled a snitch delayed Wells from approaching the police.

Dick's Background and Family Perspective

Dick's parents recounted a troubling journey: promising beginnings, college aspirations, marriage, debt, and eventual criminal activities.
They viewed Perry negatively, associating him with Dick's downfall, although they noted Dick appeared unaffected post-crime until he fell asleep at a game.

The Nebraska Plan and Its Disruption

Dick and Perry intended to execute a violent plan during a ride to Nebraska, using a distraction with a match to gain control of the vehicle.
Their scheme fell apart when a hitchhiking soldier was picked up instead.

Perry's Life Circumstances

The landlady described Perry unfavorably, detailing his attempts to pawn a car and his need for a bus ticket to escape.
Investigators found a box of personal artifacts revealing Perry's lonely existence, including odd mementos and a collection of medicines.

Perry's Family Dynamics

Perry's sister expressed ambivalence, admitting fear and sympathy for him; her attempts to improve his life were ultimately unsuccessful.
Her lack of residence in Fort Scott, Kansas, cast doubt on Perry's claims about his past.

Perry's Feelings Toward Siblings

Perry harbored resentment towards his siblings for their educational successes.
Two siblings committed suicide, while Fern remains the only one alive and married.

Dick's Risky Plan

Dick planned to return to Kansas City despite several legal issues, a move Perry labeled as reckless due to their precarious situation.

Agent Dewey's Caution

Agent Dewey refrained from revealing suspect identities to the public, fearing potential innocence and lack of solid evidence.

Local Reactions to the Clutter Case

News about the Clutter case spread more rapidly in Garden City due to a culture of silence in Holcomb.

Perry's Trust Issues

While waiting for Dick, Perry feared possible arrest, trusting Dick would remain loyal under pressure.

Perry's Distaste for Dick's Behavior

Perry was troubled by Dick's pedophilic tendencies which contradicted his own values against perversion.

Encounters with Hitchhikers

Dick showed reluctance toward hitchhikers, wanting only those who contributed to fuel; Perry had a more empathetic view.

Agent Dewey's Concerns Post-Arrest

Dewey worried about insufficient evidence for a conviction and the risk of case details leaking prematurely.

Dick's Las Vegas Impersonation Plan

Dick planned to impersonate a warden to evade detection but was thwarted by police awareness of the stolen vehicle.

Investigator Impressions of Dick

Initial expectations of Dick as larger were proven wrong; he appeared small and boyish, initially polite during interrogation.

Dick's Reaction to the Clutter Family

Dick became visibly anxious discussing the Clutter family, revealing nerves that peaked during police questioning.

Perry's Interrogation Behavior

Despite verbal denials, Perry exhibited nervousness; he believed Dick confessed due to police claims of signed statements.

Clutter House Encounter

The Clutters' lives were nearly spared by the activity next door, but Dick's camaraderie with Perry motivated him to proceed.

Agent Dewey's Mixed Emotions

Dewey felt sorrow upon hearing Perry's account of the murders, grappling with sympathy despite the horror of the act.

Discrepancies in Accounts

The main inconsistency in their stories was the assignment of blame for the killings; belief favors Perry for his more sympathetic and nuanced depiction of events.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Part III of 'In Cold Blood' with these flashcards. Focus on key characters like Floyd Wells and significant plot details involving the Clutter family. This quiz will enhance your understanding of Truman Capote's narrative techniques and character development.