Theme Of Dehumanization In The Silence Of The Lambs

The topic of dehumanization has an interesting dynamic in Demme’s film The Silence of the Lambs. This consists of the fact that the Clarice Starling’s own humanity is consistently undermined and almost immediately rectified by Dr. Lecter. Lecter in himself is an ironic character since while he has no fear about killing someone through cannibalism. One of the highest symbolic forms of dehumanization possible, he still respects and guards Starling’s humanity. This character receives even more complexity as Lecter is revealed as more and more calculating and cold throughout the series, almost appearing desensitized to most human emotions, interactions and concerns. Lecter’s analytical, observant, and almost sociopathic outlook on his surroundings contrasts heavily with Starling’s earnest desire to discover the secrets behind Buffalo Bill’s identity and reasons, a desire to

It is important to know this rectification can come in two forms for Lecter. Lecter can either punish the individual, such as in Chilton’s case; for their direct discourtesy to him or another, or he can help an individual who has received such a discourtesy in his presence. Lecter would only feel this obligation, however, in the unique case that he is unable to prevent such a direct discourtesy from happening to another as it occurred in front of him, as in Clarice’s case. From my examination this is the first type of direct rectification. The earliest example of this is when Lecter makes Miggs go insane for disrespecting Clarice, as Crawford explains: “Miggs has been murdered… The orderly heard Lecter whispering to him, all afternoon, and Miggs crying. They found him at bed check. He’d swallowed his own tongue…” (Tally). Lecter again demonstrates his superior social prowess and manipulative skills as he punishes Miggs for his discourteous imposition of will and violation of