English Literature

Perry Smith is one of the most interesting characters in the literary world today. Taken from a factual account of a real-life murderer who was personally interviewed by Truman Capote, he is an ex-convict who participated in the murder and robbery of the wealthy Clutter family of Holcomb. Together with Richard Dick Hickock, they committed the crime by tying up the four victims and shooting them in the head with a shotgun.

He is considered a social outcast whose most of his family members have taken suicide. He is a person who barely finished grade school but greatly considers himself to be an intellectual. Perry Smith is described to be a short man, with a large torso but small legs (Lytal). Obviously, he is not a horrifying sight though the description that His legs were badly injured in a motorcycle accident (Lytal) could give the readers a sight of a man who probably has trouble walking straight. Probably one of the features Smith has that symbolizes the monstrosity in him is the tattoos that are embedded in his skin. It is most likely that he had acquired it from jail which is a haunting symbol of his evil activities in the past.

As a social outcast, he endured an overwhelming feeling of being left out and alone in the world. His past encounters with people and loved ones have led his life to become instilled with hate and violence towards others. However, the bottom line is, he is left alone and left out by the people who are supposed to be with him. Smith is left all by himself because most of his family members have either died or committed suicide. . Perry has always been a wanderer, moving from home to home. He has no roots to ground him, and clings to Dick simply because he is there (Lytal). Nonetheless, it is still important to note that the character possessed a good and kind heart despite his mistakes and wrongful activities. He was only led to commit these evil deeds due to the treatment that he received in his life.
Meanwhile, Smiths personality is emphasized to be that of a normal and kind hearted guy as written on his biography by his father for the sake of getting him a parole. One of the incidents that he listed is the fact that Smith is a man who learns his lesson seriously. He describes in the letter how Smith had constantly reminded him to be cautious. be careful Dad. Dont drive if you feel sleepy, better stop and rest by the road side (Capote 158). While he is being interrogated by one of the officers, he narrates how he and Dick had argued about raping the Nancy Clutter. Smith describes that when Dick told him that he could rape the girl too, he states that, Now, thats something I despise. Anybody that cant control themselves sexually (Capote 299). This statement indicates that behind that murderous persona that Smith wears, there is kindness and thoughtfulness instilled in him.

Smith also believed that he was an intellectual. This can be considerable because Capote has made it clear that Smith is into arts and literature. This artistry of Smith is presented by means of describing his memorabilia and dictionaries of unfamiliar terms. Also the fact that Truman Capote had developed friendship with him indicates that Smith is not just an ordinary man with a below average intellect.