What is the central argument in chapter 2 of In Cold Blood?

One of he central
arguments in this second chapter is the way that Smith is presented in his full psychological
complexity, and how Capote explores his background and the various forces that turned him into
the adult character that is presented in this text. What is important about this is the way that
Capote seeks to present all of the forces and influences that have gone in to creating Smith and
are responsible for the disturbed adult who is capable of perpetrating such a terrible
crime.

We are told that Smith's childhood was disrupted thanks to the
separation of his parents and his siblings who killed themselves and his father who dragged
Smith around America. When he was placed in orphanages, he was abused at the hands of those who
should have cared for him. The impact of this disturbing childhood reaches into Smith's adult
years, as we are told of how Smith dreams of a giant, yellow bird that attacks those who are
persecuting him and takes him to paradise. Smith is a character who Capote therefore tries to
fully develop, presenting him in his full psychological complexity.