An Interpretation of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs from the Perspective of Existentialist Feminism

The Silence of the Lambs, a suspense novel written by Thomas Harris in 1999, tells story about clever and courageous FBI agent, Clarice Starling, who overcomes difficulties caused sexism wins herself reputation honor investigating serial murder case. Since was published, discussions plot characters have never stopped. Nevertheless, research related to protagonist Starling based on existentialist feminism are rare. This thesis takes Simone de Beauvoir’s concept “the other” analyze gender inequalities encountered her resistance against patriarchal society. Therefore, combined with most women’s current living situation that inequality remains widespread, hindering their advance at work daily life, this concludes women should establish subjective consciousness, prove self-worth as females avoid being through efforts.