Perry's Father

Within the movie “Capote”, Perry was shown to have had a rough upbringing. Perry was brought up by his mother, a drunk who neglected her children. Her lack of devotion to her children was articulated as she put them in an orphanage. However, while there is a sufficient description of his mother, there is a lack of description regarding his father. A parallel to the movie, the first section of In Cold Blood, mentions little about Perry’s father as well. While this was an unknown, light is shed upon the issue within the second segment of In Cold Blood, “Persons Unknown.” For the first time, Perry’s father is illuminated. He is described as loving and providing, unlike his mother. He says that he taught his children “the Golden Rule” (126), and stated “I don’t stick up for his wrong doings” (128). Perry’s father appears to have cared for the well being of his children, and believed in the punishment for wrongdoings. However, while his father appears to have been a decent man with quality morals, Perry alludes to an underlying flaw. He states “…I loved Dad then. Even though he could be hard on me. Bossy as hell. But I loved Dad then” (132-133). He uses the word “then” to imply that he no longer loved his father. Why? He appears to have been a better parent than his mother. Perry later expresses “I had great natural musical ability. Which Dad didn’t recognize. Or care about…I never got any encouragement-from him or anybody else” (133). Perry insinuates that he had talent, which he could have improved upon to make something of himself, but his father failed to acknowledge it. This suggests that his father neglected his abilities much like his mother, only not as severe. Is he holding his father accountable for the life he lived? The two descriptions of Perry’s father create two complex inquiries. One being why Perry no longer loved his father, and two being how Perry’s father could write such an endearing letter that illuminated him as a caring father, but be portrayed by his son in such a different manner?