The Silence of the Lambs Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Chapters 1 - 5

1. In Chapter 1, who is the serial killer the FBI wants to interview, and what does he offer to Clarice?

2. Why would Dr. Lecter be offended by being interviewed by a FBI trainee? How does he control the environment around him? How does he control the conversation with Clarice?

3. Why does Dr. Lecter refer to Clarice as a "cheap redneck, one generation out of the mines"? What might he hope to accomplish by insulting her?

4. Why is Dr. Lecter called "Hannibal the Cannibal"? ...
(read more)