The Silence of the Lambs Identity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Silence of the Lambs.

Quote #4

CHILTON: Oh, he's a monster. A pure psychopath. So rare to capture one alive. From a research point of view, Lecter is our most prized asset.

Dr. Chilton up-sells Hannibal Lecter's mystique. At this point, we've heard him called "monster," "cannibal," and "psychopath" before we see him. All these adjectives shape our image of him.

Quote #5

LECTER: You're not more than one generation from poor, white trash, are you, Agent Starling?

Dr. Lecter is a skilled therapist, able to analyze Clarice's background just from talking to her. However, he uses this insight against her. He sees her trying to hide that part of her identity, and he pulls it out to insult her.

Quote #6

CLARICE: If he sees Catherine as a person and not just an object, it's harder to tear her up.

Senator Martin wants people, especially Buffalo Bill, to see her daughter, Catherine, as her daughter Catherine, not as an anonymous victim or an object. Establishing her identity is important for humanizing her. So in her television plea, she uses her name over and over.