Questions and Answers
Describe the Clutter family. What type of people were they? In particular, what was Mr. Clutter like?
The Clutter family was well known and prominent. Mr. Clutter was the most widely known citizen in Holcomb. He was a very simple, smart businessman and rancher. Mrs. Clutter suffered from depression and psychiatric problems and was hospitalized.
How does each Clutter spend the last day of their life?
Mr. Clutter goes to work on the farm and writes a check for $40,000 worth of life insurance. Nancy helps her friend bake pies, gives a trumpet lesson, and runs errands to help her mom. Mrs. Clutter stays home depressed. Kenyon makes a wedding gift for his soon-to-be wife.
Describe Dick. What physical traits about him are most noticeable?
Dick has a lot of tattoos on his arms, a messed up face, and his left eye is smaller than his right eye. He was in a car crash and cares more about the violence of the murder.
Describe Perry. What are his most noticeable features?
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What items do Dick and Perry purchase in Emporia? What do they foreshadow?
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How do Dick and Perry's goals differ?
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What happens when Nancy Ewalt is dropped at the Clutter home for church?
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Why don't Alfred Stoecklein and his wife hear the Clutters being killed?
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Why is the motive of robbery considered unlikely?
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How do the Clutter murders change the perception of neighbors and community in Holcomb?
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What 'connection' does Perry mention that might link Dick and Perry to the murders?
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How many people attended the Clutter family funeral?
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Where does Perry think he and Dick will get money once they have left the country?
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What two details discovered later reinforce the possibility of robbery as a motive?
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Contrast Dick and Perry's feelings about the murder and the possibility that they will not be held accountable for it.
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What happens to the Trappers Den Lodge? How does this have an impact on Perry?
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How did Perry become involved in crime? How is he finally apprehended?
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Who is Willie-Jay? Why does he discourage Perry from any further correspondence with Bobo?
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What are Dewey's theories about the murder? Do you find it odd that he visits the Clutter home tonight?
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What lie did Perry tell Dick in order to impress him?
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What are Perry's feelings towards his father?
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Which of Perry's possessions is taken? How does he feel about this?
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What details make Dewey think the murderer was emotionally involved with the victims?
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Who is Alvin Dewey? What is his job? What is his relationship to the Clutters?
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According to Larry Hendricks, how was each of the Clutters found?
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How did most people in Holcomb react to the murders? What hypotheses do they form? How does the crime impact relationships between neighbors in Holcomb?
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Why is Bobby Rupp the primary suspect?
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What is one uncharacteristic behavior Dick exhibits when he returns to his parents' house?
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Study Notes
Clutter Family Profile
- The Clutter family was prominent in Holcomb, Kansas.
- Mr. Clutter was a respected businessman and rancher, known for his simplicity and intelligence.
- Mrs. Clutter struggled with depression and psychiatric issues, leading to hospitalization.
Final Day of the Clutters
- Mr. Clutter worked on the farm and managed life insurance worth $40,000.
- Nancy baked pies, gave trumpet lessons, and ran errands for her mother.
- Mrs. Clutter remained at home, feeling depressed.
- Kenyon crafted a wedding gift for his fiancée.
Dick's Characteristics
- Dick is heavily tattooed and has noticeable facial asymmetry due to a car accident.
- He is characterized by his practical mindset and violent tendencies.
Perry's Characteristics
- Perry has an unproportional physique, with skinny legs and a muscular upper body, is half Native American.
- He suffers from health issues tied to poor eating habits and a motorcycle accident.
- Perry sees himself as intelligent and is more focused on the desired outcome of their criminal plans.
Purchase of Tools
- Dick and Perry buy rubber gloves and white nylon cord in Emporia, intending to buy black stockings as well.
- These items foreshadow their impending crime.
Relationship with Willie-Jay
- Perry returns to Kansas primarily to reconnect with Willie-Jay, his prison mentor.
- Willie-Jay attempted to advise Perry spiritually but struggled to impact his behavior.
Differing Goals of Dick and Perry
- Dick is motivated by money and the thrill of murder, while Perry aspires for freedom and adventure in Mexico.
Nancy Ewalt's Concern
- When dropped off at the Clutter home for church, Nancy worries when no one answers the door, prompting her to check with neighbors.
Neighbors' Silence During Murders
- Alfred Stoecklein and his wife are unaware of the murders due to the distance and sound absorption by surrounding structures.
Motive for Robbery Questioned
- In Holcomb's secure environment, a motive of robbery is regarded as implausible, challenging the understanding of the crime.
Community Impact Post-Murders
- The murders lead to distrust among neighbors, shattering Holcomb's sense of safety and the ideal of the American dream.
Connection to Previous Crime
- Perry's mention of Floyd provokes Dick's anger, highlighting their connection to prior issues.
Clutter Funeral Attendance
- The Clutter family's funeral drew over a thousand attendees, indicating their community standing.
Perry's Future Financial Outlook
- Perry believes they can generate income in Mexico to cover their expenses and start anew.
Discovery of Evidence
- Items found in Nancy's belongings suggest she tried to hide valuables, indicating robbery could have been a motive.
Emotional Investment of Murderer
- Dewey theorizes that the murderer had a personal connection to the victims, deducing from the meticulous arrangement of the crime scene.
Alvin Dewey's Role
- Alvin Dewey serves as the Bureau's representative and is personally connected to the Clutter family.
Clutter Family Deaths
- Detailed accounts of the Clutter family’s deaths reveal the violent circumstances surrounding each murder.
Reactions from the Community
- Community members expressed shock and disbelief, forming theories around potential business rivalries or jealousy.
- The crime fundamentally altered neighborly trust, marking a shift in relationships.
Bobby Rupp's Involvement
- Bobby Rupp, Nancy’s boyfriend and last visitor to the Clutter home, became a suspect due to his timing.
Dick's Unusual Behavior
- Upon returning home, Dick uncharacteristically opts to sleep rather than watch a basketball game, which is atypical for a sports enthusiast.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Parts 1 and 2 of Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood' with these flashcards. Explore the Clutter family dynamics, including the character traits of Mr. Clutter and Mrs. Clutter's struggles. This quiz is perfect for students looking to review important concepts from this landmark true crime narrative.