Hannibal Lecter monologue from The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lecter’s monologue

Dr. Lecter describes how he dealt with a census taker who annoyed him, revealing his refined but terrifying nature.

Dr. Lecter: Oh, Officer Starling... do you think you can dissect me with this bluntlittle tool?

Clarice: No. I only hoped that your knowledge -

Suddenly he whips the tray back at her, with a metallic CLANG that makes her start. His voice remains a pleasant purr.

Dr. Lecter: You're sooo ambitious, aren't you...? You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube. A well-scrubbed, hustling rube with a little, taste... Good nutrition has given you some length of bone, but you're not more than one generation from poor white trash, are you Officer Starling...? That accent you're trying so desperately to shed - pure West Virginia. What was your father, dear? Was he a coal miner? Did he stink of the lamp...? And oh, how quickly the boys found you! All those tedious, sticky fumblings, in the back seats of cars, while you could only dream of getting out. Getting anywhere - yes? Getting all the way - to the F...B...I.

His every word has struck her like a tiny, precise dart. But she squares her jaw and won't give ground.

Clarice: You see a lot, Dr. Lecter. But are you strong enough to point that high-powered perception at yourself? How about it...? Look at yourself and write down the truth.

she slams the tray back at him

Clarice: Or maybe you're afraid to.

Dr. Lecter: You're a tough one, aren't you?

Clarice: Reasonably so. Yes.

Dr. Lecter: And you'd hate to think you were common. My, wouldn't that sting! Well you're far from common, Officer Starling. All you have is the fear of it.

beat

Dr. Lecter: Now please excuse me. Good day.

Clarice: And the questionnaire...?

Dr. Lecter: A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti...Fly back to school, little Starling.

Excerpt for study and audition practice. Read the full play for context.