Perry's cell

The environment of Perry's cell has great contrast with the outside world. In many ways it could even be considered a better life. In the outside world, Perry was just a convict trying to escape the law. Many people like his sister and Mr. Hickock and others were very critical of him and his actions. Outside, before being arrested, all of the world except Dick seemed to be against him. Now, in his cell, the public still certainly despises him for murdering the beloved Clutters. But, he has people who do care for him. Before, the only person who seems to have cared for him was Dick, and the argument could be made that Dick was really in it for himself. For example when questioned in section 3 he incriminated Perry, not caring what would happen to him. But now even though he has little company, what company he has seems to care about him. First off is Mrs. Meier. She seems to have a desire to make his stay as comfortable as possible. For example she asks Perry "if he had any special dish he liked" and he eventually responded "One thing I really like is Spanish rice." (253) He has a state-appointed lawyer, Mr. Fleming, who he meets with sometimes. And unlike Dick's lawyer, Mr. Fleming was willing to try and even though he knew the public would hate him: "'Someone has to do it. And I'll do my best. Though I doubt that'll make me too popular around here.'" (257) He even has at least one person outside of his new world who cares about him: Don Cullivan. Don writes his letter pretty much to comfort Perry. He essentially reminisces about their days in the army and how he remembers Perry, and goes on to say at the end of his letter "what has happened to you could have happened to me. Your friend, Don Cullivan." (261) He tries to comfort Perry. And Perry begins his response "Dear Don, Hell yes I remember Don Cullivan" (262) which hints that he is excited about the attention from the outside world. It seems like Perry has a better life now. More people care about him. But "He missed Dick. Many thoughts of Dick, he wrote one day in his makeshift diary. Since their arrest they had not been allowed to communicate, and that, freedom aside, was what he most desired--to talk to Dick, be with him again." To Perry, even though more people care about him, a life without freedom and without being able to communicate with the only other person in his position isn't to be desired.