Dick
questions whether there isnt something actually wrong with Perry. He bases this on his
observation of Perrys strange ways from the days when they were prison cellmates, when Perry
would suck his thumb and wet the bed and cry out for his dad in his sleep, just like a child.
Dick also wonders at his obsession with finding buried treasure and such-like adventures €“
again, which appears quite childlike.
Dick doesnt understand what a
detrimental effect Perrys rough life of neglect and deprivation, dating back to his early
childhood, has had. In many ways Perry is still a child, emotionally
immature, seeking comfort and protection, and dreaming unrealistic dreams. However, there is
also the whole other side of him which hints at his potential for violence and which is borne
out on that fateful night in the Clutter home.
It is ironic that Dick
considers Perry to be peculiar while remaining seemingly unaware about his own aberrations. He
is a habitual liar, thief, and braggard, and has a taste for sex with underage girls. Yet he
considers himself wholly €˜normal.
He thought himself as
balanced, as sane as anyone €“ maybe a bit smarter than the average fellow, thats all.
Unlike the introspective Perry, Dick shies away from
self-examination, and just goes on doing what he pleases, with hardly a thought for
consequences.
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