A Long History

Capote's liking of Perry has led him to write a quite lengthy history of the character, in order to help the reader connect and feel for and pity Perry. The section, almost entirely dedicated to Perry's history includes a letter to the prison (essentially a biography, albeit an incomplete one), (125-130); a bitter letter from Perry's sister, (138-142); and an interpretation of that letter from Willie-Jay, (143-145). The letter/biography is the start of a passage designed to make the reader feel sympathy for Perry. It seems sincere, even though, as we learn later, leaves out certain details. In the letter we learn about some troubles that Perry had growing up, and as many readers can likely identify somehow or another with the story, we feel bad for Perry. The letter is then followed by some details filling in the holes of the story. These further help us pity for Perry. We then read the letter from his sister while in prison. At first, this somewhat bitter letter almost seems counter-productive to the goal of making us feel pity for Perry, however since he hates his sister and has no other family to turn to, it even further creates a feeling of pity. Finally, the Willie-Jay analysis shows the reader how he admires his friend. Willie-Jay's use of large words seems patronizing to the reader, but to Perry it is something to look up to. Because of his verbose and patronizing tone of the letter it makes the reader feel more pity towards Perry, as it seems the admiration is more of a one-way-street. Capote's use of such a lengthy history only contributes to the connection between Perry and the reader that he is trying so hard to achieve.