How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"The ineffable happens, things do take a turn," he said. But Dick, smiling boastfully, boyishly, did not agree. "Get the bubbles out of your blood. Nothing can go wrong." No. Because the plan was Dick's, and from the first footfall to final silence, flawlessly devised. (1.120)
There's a lot to unpack here, aside from the obvious dramatic irony. Did Perry's more vivid imagination make it possible for him to see what might go wrong? Should a person always be a little anxious going into a big scheme because it lets him see how things might not work out as planned?
Quote #5
He drove to Las Vegas, sold his junk-heap car, packed his collection of maps, old letters, manuscripts, and books, and bought a ticket for a Greyhound bus. The journey's aftermath was up to fate; if things didn't "work out with Willie-Jay," then he might "consider Dick's proposition." As it turned out, the choice was between Dick and nothing […]. (1.150)
Another plan of Perry's that didn't work out—Willie-Jay had already left Kansas. Since we know that Perry is obviously not living in Hawaii, skin-diving and hunting treasure, we know that he must have developed a fatalistic attitude about future plans. As he said, "the ineffable happens."
Quote #6
"Tell the truth, I feel pretty good. And pretty optimistic. I've got an idea a man could make some real money around here the next few years." While outlining his schemes for future financial betterment, he signed the check and pushed it across his desk. (1.166)
What better example of future planning than buying life insurance? Herb knew that Bonnie couldn't run the farm if anything happened to him, so he wanted to leave her financially well-off. Of course, the plan of the New York Life Insurance Company was that Herb Clutter would live a long time.