Perry's Friends

In this section, Perry’s friends, or lack there of, are brought up multiple times. Dick appears to have a firm opinion of Perry being unable to kindle relationships with other people, unable to connect and extend himself toward others. He states, “He hasn’t got a single friend on the premises. I mean, just who the hell does he think he is? Sneering at everybody” (334). Perry is unable to make a single friend in the Corner. However, rather mystifyingly Perry proves to have a few very devoted friends who seemingly come out of nowhere. The first is his old friend from the army, Don Cullivan. He writes to Perry, saying, “I remember you and would like to help you in any way that I can” (260). Don hasn’t seen Perry in many years, and yet he pledges to assist him., and he does, appearing at his trial to give a character testimony. Another unexpected ally is Joe James, who, “after all had arrived by bus that morning, having traveled a day and two nights from his wilderness home in Far Northwest” (295). Why are these seemingly distant acquaintances coming to Perry’s aid? Although he appears to repel many, he also appears to have strong power over few.