Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Silence of the Lambs, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Sexism and Law Enforcement
The Nature of Evil
Class and Shame
Manipulation
Summary
Analysis
As Starling's plane takes off, she looks through the file on Buffalo Bill. Over the past 10 months, Buffalo Bill has killed at least five women, and there are probably more victims the FBI hasn't identified yet. After killing and skinning his victims, Buffalo Bill dumped their bodies in rivers. He is hard to track because there is no obvious pattern to where he dumps the bodies, and, by the time someone finds them, the rivers have wiped away all of the vital evidence from the corpses. The FBI has determined that Buffalo Bill keeps his victims alive for somewhere between 7 to 10 days before killing them, meaning he has a place to himself where he can imprison them. Additionally, none of the case's physical evidence suggests any physical or sexual abuse.
Here, Buffalo Bill’s case deviates significantly from the real-life cases that were popular in 1980s media. Sexual abuse was always a factor in the cases the media highlighted. Because the media talked so much about serial killers, the killers began to figure out the FBI’s tactics and would intentionally subvert them. This phenomenon appears to be what is going on with Buffalo Bill. He ensures there is no discernable pattern to his crimes, making it harder for the FBI to catch him. Like Lecter, Buffalo Bill is an example of an extremely evil person who is also highly intelligent.
Themes
Although she gets through the file, Starling has difficulty looking at the photographs. "Floaters"—a body found in water—are hard to look at because of what the water does to the corpse. However, examining the pictures just makes Starling want to catch Buffalo Bill more, and she knows Crawford is the leader she needs to accomplish that goal. Crawford has led three successful efforts to catch serial killers to date. However, even with his leadership, Starling knows the mission will be difficult and dangerous.
The photographs are the first part of the Buffalo Bill case that gets under Starling’s skin. They upset her on a visceral level that she does her best to control. Luckily, she possesses the ability to channel her fear and anger into productivity. In order to catch Buffalo Bill, Starling knows she will find herself in increasingly difficult and emotionally challenging situations. She also knows it will be increasingly important for her to maintain her cool to ensure her safety and future in the FBI.
Themes
Crawford shows Starling on a map where they are heading. He tells her that the body has not been in the water for long, and she will be in charge of fingerprinting it. Starling assures Crawford she is up to the task. Starling and Crawford look at the former evidence in the case and attempt to identify a pattern to help them track Buffalo Bill. However, they do not come up with anything. Crawford thinks the killer knows what he is doing and is acting in a way to purposely throw off the FBI. Crawford also tells Starling that Buffalo Bill has developed a meaningful relationship with killing, which means he will start doing it more. Additionally, Crawford does not think it's likely that Buffalo Bill will ever take his own life.
Part of the Buffalo Bill case that Crawford finds so frustrating is that it seems hopeless. The FBI has been aware of Buffalo Bill for a long time, and they still have no solid evidence of who he is or why he is doing what he is doing. The only thing Crawford is sure of is that, like Lecter, Buffalo Bill is a manipulator. He acts in ways he knows will confuse and disrupt the FBI’s normal investigative processes. This idea feeds into the novel’s larger conversation about the nature of evil and whether an ordinary person can comprehend it. Unfortunately, it is Crawford’s job to get inside the heads of these serial murderers, and, at the moment, he finds he is not up to the task.
Themes
Before going anything further, Crawford gives Starling a few pieces of advice. First, he advises her to ask as many questions as she needs to; there are no dumb questions in this context. Second, he urges her to trust her gut when examining evidence. Third, he warns her that many regional law enforcement officers they will deal with may be difficult. In these cases, doing one's best to get along with them is important. Otherwise, the case will be even more difficult. As Crawford finishes his advice, the plane begins its descent.
Everything Crawford says suggests that he is experienced as a field agent and as a leader. He knows Starling will have some natural insecurities about her position, which is why he encourages her to voice her opinions and questions. Indeed, Crawford’s advice is exactly what Starling feels she needs as she examines the evidence of the case.
Themes
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