Appearances & First Impression

Thomas Harris uses the theme of appearances and first impressions throughout the book. The way criminals are described is one place where this theme can be witnessed. The way Miggs and the other criminals are characterized enhances the insanity we see in them. For example, when Clarice first encounters Miggs, this is what happens: “she looked into the cell, saw Miggs flick his fingers and felt the warm spatter on her cheek and shoulder […] she got away from him, registered it was semen, not blood.” However, Lecter isn’t described that way. He seems to be the complete opposite of Miggs. Lecter tells Clarice “I would not have had that happen to you. Discourtesy is unspeakably ugly to me.” At first, when Clarice meets him, Lecter is presented as a calm and curious character with a great wealth of knowledge. The difference between these two characters is visible to the reader. Lecter seems like a reasonable individual and a kind man to Clarice. Later in the book, when he escapes, this is where we see his true nature. Not only does this contrast with Miggs’ persona, but it also shatters what we have come to expect from the polite and courteous Lecter. The reader, seeing he is kind to Clarice, doesn’t think this could happen. Lecter is also very well-mannered with Clarice because he finds her interesting and probably attractive. Appearance has a major impact on the protagonist. Clarice Starling is the one who is chosen to discuss with Hannibal Lecter not only because she is a skilled agent, but mostly because she is a young and good-looking woman. Crawford knows Hannibal is interested in speaking with her because she looks good and she doesn’t make him bored. Clarice wants to be the best agent she can be. Therefore, she accepts the offer. If it wasn’t for her look, she wouldn’t have had the chance to talk with Lecter and she wouldn’t have been able to catch Buffalo Bill. The appearance of Clarice Starling plays a big role in the book and it is also what makes it a feminist book. Stay tuned because there will probably be more information on that in a future post.