Instructions for your entry:Entry 12
PERSONAL RESPONSE: Imagine you are a character in the novel (human or animal). Write a letter to another character in the novel. Make references to at least 3 specific images, events, or details of this section. You may refer to past events, but focus your details on this section. BLOG: Then, either post your letter to the blog or read one that is already posted and respond as the addressee of the letter. While blogs may seem informal, they require that you edit and revise before you PUBLISH. In your Journal, write the blog entry and revise it. Then, post the entry on the website if you have online access. http://crhs-summerreading.blogspot.com/ (Use the 11th AP—In Cold Blood page.) |
AP Language Question 12
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Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying spending time in your cell. Ever since that day you first offered me food I knew we would be great friends. I enjoyed learning all the fun tricks and having you sketch me! You have been a great friend to me.
I wanted to let you know my opinion on some of the things you said when Donald Cullivan was eating with you. I understand that you don’t feel bad about what you did and that you aren’t sorry about that. I don’t understand why you think that you are so different from Dick; you say he steals just to steal and isn’t that what you did? You stole the Clutter’s lives for no reason. I know you say maybe they were paying for what other people had done to hurt you. That doesn’t seem like a reason to kill someone.
I also wanted to tell you that it alarms me that you are still considering committing suicide. I don’t want you to do that, I will miss you! You also talked about dying among strangers. Doesn’t that mean you would be here anymore? You can’t leave me. I am going to miss you!
Your friend,
Big Red
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteWe have seen you in your cell from your window. We feel so very sorry for you and feel the need to help. We know that you may not be completely innocent, but we don't believe Dick that you killed the whole Clutter family either. We know that if we are caught,we may be put to death. We feel that justice is worth the risk. We need to help you escape. We thought that standing under the tree near your cell window in the Square and grinning and signaling up to you would be a sign that we wish to help. Later when we return, we will need plans. Drop a map from your window showing us the best escape routes. We will be back in two days.
From,
the redhead and the brunette
P.S.
We only want you. No one else.
Especially not Dick.
Dear Dick,
ReplyDeleteI know that we haven’t gotten to see each other since we were arrested and brought back to Kansas, but I wanted to tell you that I still think about you on a daily basis. I get very lonely down here in this cell all by myself. However, I have made friends with a squirrel who I tamed and taught tricks to; his name is Big Red. From my cell window, which overlooks the Square, I noticed two young men who seemed to be trying to communicate with me. I developed an escape plan, which included you, and planned on giving it to them. But, they stopped showing up and I was never able to give them the plan.
As you already know, I told the detectives about your sexual advances towards Nancy Clutter. You may not have thought the information was important, but I felt that it was something that should be known. Hate me if you want, but we will see how everything shakes out soon enough.
I got to host an old friend of mine the other day, Don Cullivan, You may remember him as one of the witnesses that was called up to the stand. We were sitting there talking and it reminded me of all the meals we spent together before and after the murder. Sometimes I miss those days and sometimes I don’t. I heard about what was found under your mattress. Lord only knows what you were planning on doing. Anyways, I hope the best for you and me both.
Sincerely,
Perry
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to call you my friend, as I hope that you look at me as yours too. I am very appreciative of the food you give me during the day. Hopefully you will teach me many more great tricks! I seem to take to them well. Of them all, I love sitting on your shoulder the best! I am glad that we became friends. When I was perched on that branch, I noticed how lonely you look in your cage, and I pondered to come and visit you. Finally, I decided to come, and now we are the best of friends during your confinement.
P.S. Please let me know the next time you are going to clean your cell again as you did for Don C. I thoroughly enjoy chasing the flying dust particles in the air!
Your Friend,
Red
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know how much I love being your friend. I used to be afraid of humans, but now I see they aren't that bad. Thanks for teaching me all the new tricks. I have really enjoyed learning them. I like to go out and show them off to my other squirrel friends, but the main reason why I am writing this letter is to tell you good luck. I know this whole trial thing is probably stressing you out. I really hope they don't decide to give you the death penalty because I don't know what I would do without you. You have became my best friend! I know what you did was wrong, but I don't think you knew what you were doing when you did it. I think if everyone got to know you like I have they would think differently about you. You truly are a great person, and I know you don't mean harm to anyone. I know the only reason you act the way you do is because of the horrible things that happen when you were young. I don't know how anyone could be normal after that. I think if you only had someone to help you, talk to you, and love you you would change. I want you to know that even though I am just a squirrel I do understand the things that you say, and even though I can't talk back I am a great listener. I love you Perry, and I hope wherever you go you will always take me with you. I Wish I could do more to help.
Your friend and pet,
Red
P.S You should really consider getting a squirrel translator! Do they even make those?
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I saw you from my tree. You looked real lonesome and the food you offered me was delicious, so I decided to take a chance on you. That first quiet month was nice, just you and me learning tricks together. Then that new man started coming around and talked with you for hours at a time and after that you were never the same. You seemed more tired and you seemed more content to just sit than to play like before. When the snow grew thicker, more strange men came. They surrounded you with strange objects that made all sorts of sounds, but when they left you seemed melancholy, which is better than how you seemed to act recently. You left your “cage” many times after that. I wondered if and when you were coming back. Most humans who stayed here leave and never come back, but you did and it made me happy. However, you seemed drained of life after you came back each day. It worried me. Then, one day you didn’t leave, you seemed full of energy and you smiled for the first time since you taught me tricks. I found out later why, when another human came and sat with you for a while. I figured he was a friend or someone close to you. I know that humans never stay forever here. I don’t know where they go, but I know that one day I shall never see you again. I shall miss you when that day comes, but I hope that wherever you are, you are happy and have a peaceful life, like me in my tree. I shall never forget you, my friend.
Your faithful squirrel,
Big Red
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteWe have spent a lot of time together and gotten to know each other pretty well. From the first time I saw you in your cage I wanted to be your friend. As I was sitting there observing your loneliness I noticed that we are alike in many ways. I realized that you and me both are on our own. I have no friends and I go day by day not knowing what to expect. I haven't yet gotten to the point of understanding why you are locked up in that cage but I love passing the time with you. Getting taught new tricks is the most fun I've ever had and I will never turn down you offering me food. Thanks for being a good friend and always being there when I'm lonely. I hope we continue to grow as friends and have a lot more good times.
Your good friend,
Red
Dear Dick,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I just want you to know that I will love you no matter what, despite what you have done in the past. I am not really sure if you really just want to hurt people or not. I was relieved today at the trial when the psychiatrist deemed you mentally healthy. I knew you were. It's just after that ambulance smash-up you were in... I don't know, you just weren't the same. You're still Dick. But you're not at the same time. However, you will always be my dearest son. Your father isn't doing so well lately either, I think it's the stress he is feeling from all of this. It really is profound, though, no person has so much as given me a mean lick. In fact, they treat me even nicer! The people of Holcomb are decent people, that's for sure. Whatever comes of this, son, I will be on your side.
Love,
Your Mother
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteIts been awhile, wouldn't you say? I want to start by saying that I'm proud of you. For surviving, at least this long. Even though you didn't always make the best choices, at least you didn't make mine. Remember that these people are not any better than you, they plan to murder just as you did. They are worse, in a way, because they will feel content, happy even, and relieved by your dangling corpse. The good thing is that you have been able to make and visit friends, important ones, in these times. I am happy you have support, that you're not alone. Finally, in the last of your life, I have a task for you. I want you to remember all of those who have been good to you: Joe James, Don Cullivan, Willie-Jay, Mr. and Mrs. Meier, even your squirrel Big Red. The second part of your task is to forget the rest. Remember that nothing but the good is worth remembering anymore.
I love you.
See you soon,
Fern
To my dear friend Nancy,
ReplyDeleteSo much has changed since you have gone. I miss you so terribly, and I'm not sure my mere words could express my grief and sorrow. Although you no longer are able to brighten my days or provide companionship to me, I can still feel our bond when your memory arises. I am pleased to say that the police have finally caught the men who killed you and your family. Their names are Richard Hickcock and Perry Smith. Although my parents constantly remind me to keep an open mind, I cannot help but hate them. Why you, Nancy? Why did they have to take your life, and ruin mine in the process? Their rial has begun already, and although many people are against the death penalty, I hope their lives end more violently than yours did. On another note, some people held an auction at your home the other day. I was there to see Babe be auctioned for for $70 to a meninite famer. Seventy dollars?! That man has no idea what Babe stands for. I tried to speak up, but I just...couldn't. Babe was the last remaining piece of you that I had, and now, she's gone. I feel you slowly slipping away, and I don't like it one bit. Lastly, although it seems as if the men who killed you were totally and fully evil, I actually am grateful for one thing. Nancy, that man Richard Hickcock was a sick man who had horrbile intentions for you. But, his partner, Perry, stopped him before he robbed you of your innocence. Although I can't believe what happened to you, it just as well could have been much worse. But, that doesn't make me hate Perry any less for taking you and your family away. We miss you, Nancy. The sun has lost its glow, and the nights are that much darker without you. I hope you are at peace knowing that you and your family were, and still are, so dearly loved. I love you, Nancy, and Holcomb will never be the same without you.
Forever Yours,
Susan Kidwell
Dear Susan Kidwell,
ReplyDeleteI heard about about the auction that was happening at River Valley Farm. The grief that I'm holding in starts to make me feel that selling away the family's possessions is not a moral thing to do. I don't think that Nancy would have like that.Ops....I'm sorry, it's just that it is hard to forget a past that has changed us in any sort of way, between you and me, we know how hard it is to forget the family's death. However, you did a great deed of not buying Babe. We might not forget it but having to remember Nancy riding up with her horse Babe is better than watching the horse alone without Nancy. Even though we do not see eye to eye on things, I feel that together we can overcome the family's death, because both you and me know loss.
Sincerely
Bobby Rupp
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteIve been visiting you for quiet some time now Perry, and I see a different side of you unlike the towns people. You could just "shoo me off" like most people do, but instead you give me food and teach me wonderful tricks. I know I am not the only being in this world that sees you for the kind and wonderful person you are. Mrs. Meier sees you in this way too , not as some killer or monster. I hope you are set free soon Perry. My opinion of you is not based on the fact that you give me food but it helps.
your friend,
Mr. Squirrel
Dear Don,
ReplyDeleteIt is a pleasure to know that for the past nine years you have always thought about me as a good man. It is hard for me to understand why you came to visit and help me when it was barely something you could afford. Also, after finding out my actions I committed to the Clutter family. Friendship is not something that I am not very familiar with. In my past expierences I have ruined all of my friendships by running the only people I had away. I know you have a much better life than I have ever had, and you barely knew me yet you are willing to the friend of someone as unsuccessful and disturbing as me. Dick Hickock is one of the the last friends I have becides you and it means a lot to know that you still stand behind me after all I've done.
Though I know you are quite a religious based man, I am not. I do not believe that God or a superior being can save me from what I have done. Spending time with you and talking to you at dinner was a great time and I hope that you still look at me the same way as a person as you did when we were fellow soliders. I understand that we do not have the same views on different aspects of life, but you are a very good listener and I feel that I can talk to you about most anything. Coming to help me during my trail means a lot, and if I could ever repay you I would. I'm sorry that we never stayed in touch over the years and I reget that. Thank you once again for staying by my side through everything I am going through.
Your Friend,
Perry Smith
Dear Dick,
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking a lot and I miss you a whole bunch. I am alone in this cell except for Big Red. Big Red is a squirrel who comes to my cell. I taught him tricks and tamed him. You and Big Red are my best friends in the world right now. I heard you had made a shiv and when the Sheriff had a shake-out he found it under your mattress. I wonder why you made it (smile). I’m sorry that it not really a laughing matter but it made me smile.
I’m pretty sure these two men outside my window plan to rescue me. Once they rescue me I will come back and help you escape. But if they don’t come the big, yellow parrot from my dreams will fly and rescue us. A friend of mine, Don Cullivan, visited me the other day. He said he read about me in the newspaper and wanted to tell me about Catholicism. But as you know I don’t believe in religion so now we are just friends. I’m hoping the trial goes okay for both of us. I just wanted to let you now I miss you and will always be there for you.
Dear Mrs. Meier,
ReplyDeleteI do believe I wont be here much longer and I wanted to leave you somethin behind for all the good you've done me. For most of my childhood I did not have a mother I could count on. It eventually got to where I didn't have a mother at all. The majority of the time she was not able to care for me, she was too drunk. I had no one to show me right from wrong. Being here in this one man cell is as close to a caretaker I have ever had. No one ever asked me what I'd like fixed for supper. I sure have enjoyed your rice; you're a terrific cook. I figure I must take advantage now for soon the only thing I will see is a steel box and a slop of a meal. I only have two "friends" here, you and Red, so I wont be leavin much behind. I know most of Holcomb will be glad when I'm gone and they want me to endure pain; but, I tell you Mrs. Meier I ain't scared of death. I have been in trouble before and out of all my mistakes I'm glad this is the one I'm going out on. I ain't all that bad though, you remember that. I appreciate all you've done. I won't be around too much longer to bother you; but, you keep this and my picture to remember me. Look after Red for me while I'm gone.
-Perry Smith
Dear Big Red,
ReplyDeleteThanks for having my back through this whole experience. Ever since the day you came and found me wasting away my day in my cell, I knew that my life was worth it. You opened my eyes to everything I had missed throughout my short-lived life. I was oblivious to the friends I had, whether they be people or animals, and support I had around me. If I had opened my eyes I could have found hapiness just through nature rather then through killing. You have taught me to accept the little things in life and wake up each morning looking forward to what a new day might bring. You were good at keeping me company as you chased the swaying patterns of my broom back and forth across the floor as I prepared for company. Your kindness triggered emotions and taught me to listen to my conscience. For once I finally felt full remorse for my actions. If I had to relive my life, I would have changed every bit of it. I have asked myself everyday why I could not have had this expierence with you at the beginning, and I will continue to ask myself this question till the day I die. It has been a learning experience for both you and I. For once, I felt like someone needed me. I was able to help you out by teaching you tricks and games, and you were able to help me more then you can imagine. You showed me who I truly was. I know this letter may be unexpected, but I only have a few days left. I would much rather end my life on a good note rather then no note at all. All I have to say is thank you for staying by my side. I willl remember you forever. I promise.
Your friend and teacher,
Perry
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteWe know you have noticed us watching you. We don't believe that you are innocent by any means but we also don't believe that you murdered all four Clutter's single-handedly.
We believe that you have told the truth about what really happened on the night of the Clutter murders and we would like to help you escape but we need assistance from you to do it. We hoped that by signaling to you, you would give us that we needed to help you break out. The reason we are there and gone so quickly is because we don't want anyone else to become suspicious about our plans to free you. We are willing to get you anything you think would be useful in your escape if you can possibly drop a list out of the window of what you need.
We know this is risky business and if we get caught helping break out a prisoner we are all likely to be put to death, but we feel your punishment is unfair and we want to help you.
However, we do not like Dick. We believe that he would do anything to save his own neck and we do not believe that he deserves to be free, just you. Dick is the whole reason you are in this mess, why would you want to help him out? If you can just forget about Dick, we will get you out soon and then you can make new friends.
So what do you say Perry? We will be back in a couple of days.
Your new friends,
your red-haired and brunette accomplices
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteI was sitting on my perch watching you locked up in your little cage, and was pondering coming to visit you. Boy am I glad that I did! The tricks that you have been teaching me are so fun, and I really hope you teach me more as I enjoy learning them, and seem to learn well. We really hit off together, and I hope we stay friends for much longer. I really do enjoy being able to sit on your shoulder so much.
Your Squirrely Friend,
Red
P.S. - We should work on our English to Squirrel translations.
Dear Mr. Smith,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honesty in your autobiography. It was invaluable to my assessment of your health. I also want to thank you for your observation- I take great pride in my work. I would like to share with you my findings of your health. In court, due to certain restrictions, I can only answer whether I believe that you can judge right from wrong. I would like you to keep in mind Perry that these are my assessments. Please write back about any discrepancies you might find in my information. These are my perfessional opinions, and they are shared by others. As I cannot reveal them in court fully, I wish you to have a chance to hear what I and others have found. Because of your honesty with me, I wish to be honest with you.
Perry, you have above average intellegence and you absorb information well. However, two personality traits are what differentiate you from others in society who would never heve committed this crime. First is your distrust and suspicion toward others. This hinders your ability to form long-lasting relationships. The other is your rage, which is not controlled and is easily set off. These are characteristics shared by others who have also comitted murders similar to yours. You once mentioned that you liked Mr. Clutter up intil the moment you killed him, and that you were not aware of what you were doing until his neck was slit. These other murderers also confessed of similar occurances in which they did not realize what they were doing until after the deed was done. They also have the same two personality traits of yours that I mentioned earlier: distrust of others and an easily set-off rage. These other people similar to you also shared one more trait: They suffered emitionally in their early life. You have suffered a great deal Perry, I am sorry for that. I hope you ponder what I have said. You are different form others but that does not mean that you cannot change. I would love to hear whatever else you wanted to tell me that you were not able to before.
Regards,
Dr. James
Dear Dick,
ReplyDeleteI have always loved you with my whole heart and nothing can ever change that, you will forever be my son. Listening to the hearing today at the courthouse i was relieved to her the psychologist the proclaim you were not mentally unstable. Although I wish I could have done something to prevent this violent life you have slowly begun to come acquainted with, maybe it was something with me raising you or maybe it was the crash. Either way I wish you would stop harming people and doing all these destructive actions to yourself and others. The family is good we think about you each day and hope your doing well. We will for ever love you Dick.
Sincerely,
Your Mother
Dear Perry Smith,
ReplyDeleteWhen I first met you, I knew that Dick met you in prison. I admit I hated you. I blamed you for influencing Dick. Dick grew up with a normal life. Our family was very ordinary. I know I was wrong for making you responsible. I must be responsible for how my son turned out. Although, I can't understand what I could've done wrong and I get headaches trying to figure it out. Dick grew up a good boy. He made good grades in school and was a great athlete. It's hard to believe he was be a part of such a terrible crime. I figured everyone would've blamed me and my husband for Dick's actions. But it's the total opposite. The people here are friendly and understanding. I bet the Clutters were the same way. It was wrong for me to hate you from the start. Now, I don't hate you. I only pity for you. I pray for the Clutters, Dick, and you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hickock
Dear Dick,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for all that has happened. I will do my best to get you out of this mess. You do not deserve to die when you didn’t kill anybody. I will continue fighting for your rights no matter how hard it is. Dick, I want you to know that I’ve always been proud of you and I know you aren’t what the people in court say you are. You were very successful in high school and you worked hard to make sure everything fell in place for you to go to college. I am sorry that I was unable to provide money for you to continue your education and go on to college. You deserve to go to college for doing your part and I want to apologize for not doing mine. Son, I just want you to keep your head up high, because I know you will get a just punishment. You will not get the death penalty. Dick, I’m praying for you son.
Sincerely,
Your father
Dear Perry,
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure why you have been locked in this cell, but I am so glad you were. Before this I have only seen women locked in this area and I liked watching them too but none were as kind as you are. You offered to share your home and food with me when you already had limited amounts. Not only did you welcome me into your cell, but you actually played with me and taught me tricks, I have really enjoyed this! I know that everyone who comes here has done something wrong but even so you seem to be very kind Perry so I wonder why you have been locked in a cage. I love having you here so it is painful to see that you would obviously rather be anywhere but here. You gaze out the window for hours on end, are you looking for the two men, the brunette and redhead? You keep your escape plan on your table, ready to put into action at any moment but I am grateful that the two men have not returned as I still want to get to know you. You give me lots of attention, but sometimes you just sit and stare into space for hours on end. I often wonder what you are thinking about. I saw that a man entered your cell, but he did not quite seem like a friend. He asked lots of questions and you talked about your life, but some of what you said must have brought up painful memories because you looked as if you were in much discomfort when you spoke. The man sat there, wide-eyed, and listened but you did not seem to enjoy his visit nearly as much as that of the other man. I believe you called him Don. I’m glad he could bring you some happiness and I thoroughly enjoyed the preparation for his visit, things stacking and shuffling and dust being stirred around everywhere. I heard you tell him that you were not feeling guilty about the murders you committed and that troubled you, is that why you look so perplexed day after day? You have been leaving the cell often now and I know you will probably leave forever soon but I wanted you to know that no matter how you impacted other people’s lives, you filled mine with happiness. Thanks for everything Perry!
Your Friend,
Big Red