In Cold Blood Character Analysis

Words: 1234
Pages: 5
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Lauren T. Wagner
AP English
December 22, 2016
Period 3

Truman Capote’s nonfiction novel, “In Cold Blood” gives the reader an opportunity to see prime examples of how nature and nurture influence one’s personality and character. Capote’s novel, “In Cold Blood” introduces the reader to Dick Hickock and Perry Edward Smith, who have similar aspirations and intentions in the life of crime. Although both Perry and Dick come from very humble backgrounds, their childhood, particularly their family life, has little in common. It is not until later in their lives that we begin to see similarities between the men. Despite their differences, Perry’s upbringing and Dick’s genetic disposition allow both men to share a disregard for life, which becomes apparent …show more content…
Capote's portrayal of Perry as the victim reveals his own rejection of good behavior. Perry’s primary fault, Capote believes, is not being a criminal, but attempting to change the path set by childhood trauma and abuse that violate the characterization of himself by others. Capote describes Perry's terrible childhood, with ignorant parents and a sister who committed suicide, but Perry’s relationship with his father, in particular, was fairly odd. Perry states, “When we stayed some place too long, people would begin to look at dad, act like he was a character… It hurt me. Because I loved dad then. Even though he could be rough on me. Bossy as hell. But I loved dad then (182). The use of past tense infers that the love the two men once had has now vanished into thin air. One can't help but feel sorry for him regarding his situations that led up to adulthood, and blaming that for the fact that he turned to a life of crime, thus demonstrating a means of …show more content…
Willie-Jay, a much older man, is quite responsible, honest, loyal and respectful and is the first to recognize Perry’s lack of self-esteem. By acknowledging Perry’s talents, Willie-Jay integrates himself in order to become a role model to Perry himself. In order to establish a stronger bond, Willie-Jay supports and agrees with the decisions and aspirations Perry wishes to carry out, in order to seem a reliable and trustworthy figure. However, the friendship does not last forever because Willie-Jay insists on Perry joining the religious path, something Perry refuses to do because of past events. When he continuously suggests on teaching the background and history of religion, Perry insists on finding friendship elsewhere, thus crossing paths with Dick. Shortly after Perry was released from prison, Willie-Jay wished to promote peace between his former cellmate by writing a thoughtful goodbye letter in order to promote good decisions. Willie-Jay stated “You are a man of extreme passion, a hungry man not quite sure where his appetite lies, a deeply frustrated man striving to protect his individuality against a backdrop of conformity” (142). Willie-Jay saw the good in Perry, but realized that his anger against the world would be his biggest
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