In cold blood final section - Essay Example

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote Summary: Final Chapter (pp. 307-343) The Death Row at the Kansas Penitentiary serves as Dick and Perry’s new shelter until the day of the execution. One of their inmates is Lowell Lee Andrews who is also a controversial figure at that time. Andrews killed his family, and his case, just like Dick and Perry’s, paved the path for a medical and legal campaign where lawyers begin looking into the possibilities of using environmental factors and psychological accidents or imbalances to defend criminals against the death penalty sentence.

The final chapter shows how Dick and Perry’s relationship turned from being partners in crime into just mutual toleration of each other. They barely talk to each other even though stay in adjoining cells. Additionally, Perry keeps to himself because he does not like Andrews who keeps correcting his grammar while being overheard by the guards and their fellow inmates. Perry eventually stops eating and is taken to the prison hospital for IV administration. Still, he refuses to benefit from the IV, almost psychologically, as he wants to kill himself before having others take his life from him.

A sudden turn of events occurred when Perry is informed that his father sent an inquiry about him through the jail warden. From then, Perry decides to go on living and just waits for the sentence to decide for his life. On the other hand, Dick busies himself by writing several letters of appeal stating an unfair trial given to both him and Perry. The case is re-opened, mainly to protect Kansas Courts’ reputation, resulting in the judge delaying the execution date. On the final pages of the chapter, the author narrates Perry’s bitterness and resentment over letters that Dick receives, but refuses to accept any visitors except for Capote --- the book’s author.

After several years, the appeal reaches the U.S. Supreme Court, but hearing is denied. In the end, Kansas Courts sets April 14, 1965 as the date of execution. Important Quotes Referring to Andrews, Capote said,“..it seemed to him just as right to kill his mother as to kill an animal or a fly” (316). This line shows how detached some people may be from legal and moral perspective. Obviously, individuals with this viewpoint suffers from a mental state that has direct roles in their decision-making.

What is troubling is how the courts, during that time, appear indifferent to such complex elements, seeing these individuals as too burdensome and too difficult to be assisted. According to Capote, “..the Deweys had built a new house in town; they were proud of it, and proud, too, of both their sons..The older boy was headed for college in the autumn” (341). This conclusion from Agent Dewey expresses how memory stays in time, imprinting deep-seated influence in people’s lives; yet the importance of moving on in hopes for a brighter future is more important than remembering a dark past.

Capote quotes Perry’s final words: “It would be meaningless to apologize for what I did. Even inappropriate. But I do. I apologize.” (343) These are Perry’s last words, and personally, these are the most touching words in the novel. It makes one realize that no matter how grave an act may be, a sincere, even desperate, apology can ease, even a bit, the negative thoughts and emotions of those affected, or even of those who are just watching. Works Cited In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences.

Paw Prints, 2008. Print.