Literature and Politics

Hannibal ‘the cannibal’ Lecter represents a conflicting combination of high-cultured consumption and monstrosity.  To some extent, he is a representation of the old-world aesthete, with his interest in Renaissance architecture and classical music.  However, Lecter’s consumption also extends to what could be termed ‘gourmet cannibalism’ where this primitive act becomes, for him, combined with gourmet cooking.  In this paper I will explore the way in which Lecter’s cannibalism becomes an ultimate extension of his high-class aestheticism.  In addition, I will explore the way in which Lecter also enacts a metaphorical cannibalism through his knowledge of psychoanalysis, particularly in his ‘Quid Pro Quo’ talks with Clarice Starling.  Lecter’s consumption represents his ability to transcend boundaries, and ultimately, this ability becomes one of the main factors behind the inability for Lecter, and his monstrosity, to be defined or contained.