Perry Smith's actions in Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" paint a chilling portrait of a true monster. In the planning and execution of the Clutter family murder, Perry's capacity for pure evil is unmistakable. As Capote vividly describes, "Then something went wrong, the Clutters didn’t have the safe, or Perry got nervous, or both, and they ended up tied up and shot." This quote serves as a visceral reminder of the brutality Perry is capable of, appealing to the reader's sense of horror and disgust. Furthermore, Perry's lack of empathy and moral compass is evident, highlighting his monstrous nature. His willingness to commit such heinous acts devoid of remorse or restraint is a stark testament to his inherent evil, appealing to both logos and …show more content…
His chilling admission, "I didn’t want to harm the man." I thought he was a very nice gentleman. Soft - Spoken -. I thought so right up to the moment I cut his throat," illustrates his detachment from the gravity of his actions, devoid of any semblance of remorse. This quote evokes a sense of unease and disbelief, appealing to the reader's emotions. Furthermore, Perry's tendency to rationalize violence, as evidenced by his remark, "I always feel sorry for a man who falls into bad company," reveals a troubling moral ambiguity and a willingness to justify his behavior. Despite potential sympathy for Perry's troubled past or moments of vulnerability, his lack of remorse and willingness to rationalize violence remain deeply unsettling. Even if Perry's complexities may invite some understanding, they do not absolve him of his monstrous actions, further reinforcing his portrayal as a true monster. However, it might be argued that Perry's upbringing and environment could have contributed to his distorted moral compass and lack of remorse. Nevertheless, while these factors may provide context, they do not negate the horror of Perry's actions nor absolve him of his monstrous