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Will Graham and the Denial of Love

An analysis of the journey Will goes through to fully accept Hannibal's love for him, specifically inspired by this scene:

Sometimes this scene is interpreted as Will knowing Hannibal loved him, because it is his subconscious. Yet, this is actually the complete opposite.

When Hannibal tells Will he loves him (regardless if it's only in the script or not, since his speech already proclaimed love with or without the "I love you"), this is Will's reaction:

He "has heard enough". Doesn't believe the words. He thinks it's another manipulation. Furthermore, after this, Will sees Hannibal as the Wendigo:

Soulless.

In season 3, Will tells Abigail's ghost/projection that Hannibal is always playing. He doesn't even believe Hannibal could miss him.

Will doesn't think Hannibal is capable of love or if he is, he's not the one Hannibal would love. He's just playing.

This is exactly what prompts Will to reject him. Here's a full analysis of the surrender scene from the perspective of Jung's "Love and Power".

Will wasn't done with Hannibal's literal appetite. He was done with the constant chase. The game, the playing.

So he never actually knew or believed, this is exactly why he needed to ask Bedelia. He knew she would know, because she was with him "behind the veil", because she understood Hannibal, she had a peak inside his mind. If anyone would know, it'd be her. That's why he resents her so much. She had access to parts of Hannibal that Will never did.

"You'd only do that (surrender) if I rejected you."

He believes Hannibal's only motivation is playing a game of chase. He rejects Hannibal because he is tired of the chase, and because he knew that was the only way Hannibal would stop.

"You were curious", "you wanted to see what would happen", lines like these hint at Will's perception of Hannibal's motives. He doesn't care, just wants to know what will happen. Just wants to be entertained.

Hannibal loves like god: deeply, unconditionally, yet viciously. He won't kiss you goodnight or sing you a lullaby. He won't hold you through nightmares. But he will send demons to your bedroom so that you can fight them and become fearless. He won't feel sorry for the scars they give you. He wants you to be worthy of his love. An equal. Hannibal has suffered tremendously. And for him to fully love you, you must suffer just as much.

That's why his love is so difficult to be seen, understood and perceived, because he seems to act carelessly and in ways that are cruel. Will sees Alana, all sweet and hugs, and caregiving. Or Molly, supportive, appraising, nurturing. Human love, easy to see, to understand and feel.

Hannibal's love burns cold, is sharp like a knife and leaves him wrecked, destroyed and shattered.

One leaves him satiated, comfortable and safe.