In the novel Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews, Cory is one of the four Dollanganger children who are locked away in the attic by their grandmother. Cory, along with his siblings, suffers greatly due to the harsh conditions and neglect they endure while confined.
As the story progresses, Cory becomes increasingly ill. His health deteriorates due to the lack of proper nutrition, fresh air, and medical care. The children are slowly being poisoned by their grandmother, who adds arsenic to their food in an attempt to kill them. Cory, being the youngest and most vulnerable, is the first to succumb to the poisoning.
Eventually, Cory dies from the effects of the arsenic poisoning. His death is a tragic and pivotal moment in the story, highlighting the extreme cruelty and neglect the children face. Cory’s death deeply affects his siblings, especially his twin sister Carrie, who is devastated by the loss.
Cory’s death also serves as a turning point in the novel, pushing the remaining children to take more drastic actions to escape their dire situation. His passing underscores the themes of innocence lost and the devastating impact of abuse and neglect.