In Cold Blood Part 2 - Questions 19-24

19) What concerns the detectives about the mattress box, bed covers, etc.?

The mattress box, bedcovers and the pillow were important objects for the detectives because there were possible clues that the killers left. The big doubt is why were they trying to do? It seems like they were trying to make the victims feel comfortable

20) What can we learn from Dick and Perry’s possessions?

Dick and Perry’s possessions told us that Perry was an intelligent person that took care about his books and manuscripts. He liked to read and write. Both carried TV sets probably to be in touch with the news and to know about the murders. Also a portable radio, maybe for the same reason. They were travelling to never return but in a way they were intrinsically worried about what they had done.

21) Explain Mr. Howard Fox’s letter. What does this tell us about the family?

The letter written by Howland Fox said that he has heard people from Garden City talking that the killer should be killed as well. Although, it is more appropriate to pray for him to find peace and forgiveness from God.

This letter tells us that the Clutters family were a religious people that didn’t like revenge. They believed in God’s Justice. They think that people should pray for this killer because it would be hard to live with his own conscious and find peace.

22) Describe the argument between Dick and Perry. What does this tell us about them?

The argument tells us that Perry is thinking about what they have done, and we wanted to talk about it. Especially because he was a religious person and is trying to understand why did they do it. Different from him is Dick, who wanted to forget and not talk about it. Also he was trying to convince Perry to not worry about it because in the past he had killed a nigger.

23) Why is the story of Perry killing King so important?

The story is important because Dick thought Perry a savage killer because of this story but the truth is that Perry didn’t know if the King is dead. He just hit him with the bicycle chain but as he left the place he didn’t know if the man survived. We can think that he invented the hole story to case an impression on Dick.

24) Describe the memories Perry has about the murder.

He first remembers where he met King and how their relationship was. His victim was a young man who read a lot. Sometimes they shared beers and spent time together. One day Perry invited him for a drive, hit him with a bicycle chain and left him alone.