ICB: Part 4 Reflection

In Cold Blood Part 4 Review

1. How do Dick and Perry’s escape plans differ?  Why/how is this difference significant in characterizing them?
2. Perry imagines that two young men are going to try to help him escape.  What do you make of these young men?  To Perry’s reaction to them?
3. Reread Perry’s autobiogaphical account of his own life.  Consider DIDLS.  What do you notice/find significant?  (273-276)
4. Do the same for Dick’s. (277-279)
5. Reread Perry’s confession to Don Cullivan on page 290-291.  What strikes you about it?
6. Dr. Jones’s testimony is not permitted at trial, but Capote chooses to include it anyway.  What purpose does this testimony serve?
7. How do both sides use religion in their arguments?
8. How does Capote’s portrayal of some of the other death row inmates compare/contrast with Dick and Perry?
9. How do you think Capote feels about the death penalty?  What evidence in Part 4 supports your answer?  Be specific.
10. Consider the very ending of the book.  Why do you think Capote chooses to end the book this way?  What lasting impression does it leave?  Why not end with the hangings?