The theme of dehumanization has an interesting dynamic in Demme's film The Silence of the Lambs. This lies in the fact that Clarice Starling's own humanity is constantly undermined and almost immediately rectified by Dr. Lecter. Lecter himself is an ironic character because he has no fear of killing someone through cannibalism. One of the highest possible forms of symbolic dehumanization, he still respects and protects Starling's humanity. This character becomes even more complex as Lecter proves increasingly calculating and cold throughout the series, seeming almost impervious to most human emotions, interactions, and concerns. Lecter's analytical, observant, and almost sociopathic view of his surroundings stands in stark contrast to Starling's sincere desire to discover the secrets behind Buffalo Bill's identity and motives, a desire to know that this rectification can take two forms for Lecter. Lecter can either punish the individual, as in Chilton's case; for their lack of direct courtesy to himself or another, or he may help a person who has received such discourtesy in his presence. Lecter would, however, only feel this obligation in the unique case where he was unable to prevent such a direct lack of courtesy from happening to others, as happened in front of him, as in the case of Clarice. According to my review, this is the first type of direct grinding. The first example is when Lecter drives Miggs crazy for disrespecting Clarice, as Crawford explains: "Miggs was murdered... The nurse heard Lecter whispering to him, all afternoon, and Miggs crying . They found him at the bed check. He had swallowed his own tongue…” (Tally). Lecter once again demonstrates his superior social prowess and manipulative skills by punishing Miggs for his discourteous imposition of will and violation of the rules.