The Forgotten Evidence: Perry Smith's Guitar In Cold Blood

Perry smith is a complex figure in in cold blood, at once a heartless killer and a broken, childlike man who elicits both empathy and fear in those around him. Capote takes an unflinching look. Images of innocence (nancy's bedroom) with images of corruption (perry smith) to foreground the opposing aspects of american society, or the image of the gun and perry's guitar on the back. In particular, capote’s special attention to convicted murderer perry smith has been noted by critics. The position which smith occupies within in cold blood makes him a key thematic.

Items like his guitar and treasure map highlight his fantasies and. After several hours, the detectives come forth with the real reason for the questioning: That perry and dick are wanted for quadruple homicide, an accusation which catches both men off guard. Perry’s physical appearance functions as a shorthand for his personality, which similarly blends conventionally masculine and feminine traits. Perry is quiet, dreamy, and sensitive;