Post by oscarheithaus on Dec 8, 2014 21:47:34 GMT
Capote's opposition to the death penalty, and the lack of empathy seen within the capital punishment system towards those with mental problems is clearly shown through the character of Perry. Capote goes into such great details about not only the actions and thoughts of Perry, but also his past. This idea of an unjust system of punishment is exemplified during the trial, when Dr. Jones's psychological evaluation of Perry was essentially cut short, and Capote felt the need to inform the reader of the rest of the analysis of Perry, showing his opinion that the information of the rest of the evaluation should have been made available to the jury, even though the psychologist was not completely sure if Perry was a paranoid schizophrenic, and this brings up an inward reflection in the reader. Prompting the reader to decide if Perry was or was not, and therefore forcing them to make an opinion about this death punishment themselves. Perry is also constantly contrasted from Dick throughout the book. Where Perry daydreams in his cell about rescue and giant birds, Dick creates a weapon. When Capote goes in depth with Perry about his past and inward conflicts, Dick is maintained as a simple criminal. This contrast between two seemingly similar criminals, who both took part in numerous crimes together, also helps Capote make a claim against the punishment as he can differentiate Perry's troubled thoughts, with the simple actions of Dick, someone who deserves punishment. He does not believe in a complete lack of capital punishment, as seen in his portrayal of Dick, but he clearly does not approve of the way it is administered, through his use of Perry in the story.