Hannibal Summary
Thomas Harris

Hannibal Summary

Revenge is the primary theme of Hannibal. The plot turns on the revenge motive of wealthy recluse Mason Verger, who seeks to avenge the fact that he now fits the words of the Christmas carol that children once sang outside his bedroom window: "How still we see thee lie." When he heard these words he realized that he must make Hannibal Lecter, the man who did this to him, suffer excruciatingly and for as long as possible.

Paul Krendler, a government official, also burns with the desire for revenge. His target is FBI agent Clarice Starling, who has outsmarted and outperformed him at every turn. Not content to scathe her with vulgar deprecations, he must also ruin her career and in the process possibly get her killed.

Chief Investigator Rinaldo Pazzi of the Florence police wants revenge for the humiliation he has suffered at the hands of his...

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