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
Starling exits the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane and sits in her car, thinking about what to do next. She is still somewhat angry about Lecter’s insults—some of which were truer than others—but ecstatic about the information on Raspail. Starling knows from reading Lecter’s file that Raspail was his ninth victim, as well as the first flutist for the Baltimore Philharmonic. Before Lecter killed him, Raspail was his patient.
Although Lecter’s insults sting Starling, their importance pales in comparison to the information he provides about Raspail. Evidently, Raspail was one of Lecter’s victims, and Lecter implies that he is somehow related to the Buffalo Bill case. However, Lecter loves to manipulate, so he could be leading Starling down a false or misleading trail.
Themes
Immediately after Raspail went missing, authorities questioned Lecter, who claimed to know nothing. The day after Raspail went missing, Lecter served dinner to the conductor of the Philharmonic. When questioned, the conductor could not remember what he ate but remembered that it was excellent. Apparently, Lecter was known for his gourmet recipes. After Lecter’s arrest, the conductor developed anorexia and became addicted to alcohol.
Lecter is a known cannibal, and this section implies that he often served dishes made from his victims to his dinner guests. Lecter enjoys feeling more intelligent than everyone else, and these meals are one of many ways he scratches that itch. Additionally, the fact that Lecter knew the conductor of the Philharmonic demonstrates the degree to which he was involved in high society before his arrest.
Themes
Starling finds a payphone and calls Crawford. She apologizes for calling him in the evening and tries to tell him what Lecter said. However, Crawford, sounding tired, cuts her off and asks her to report to him Sunday morning. Disappointed, Starling hangs up the phone.
Although Crawford has placed some trust in Starling, she is not his first priority. Furthermore, he does not trust Lecter and is skeptical that he provided any information of value.
Themes
Back at the FBI Academy, Starling works on her report about Lecter. While she is in the library Starling’s roommate, Ardelia Mapp, comes in and asks her about her day. Together, they make light of the Miggs incident. Starling is burned out but happy to have Ardelia’s company.
Ardelia is always a welcome figure in Starling’s life, partially because she is one of the few women she gets to interact with. Here, they use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with the Miggs incident.
Themes
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