In the critically acclaimed television series Peaky Blinders, the character of Tommy Shelby is distinguished by a chest tattoo that holds profound significance.
Serving as a visual representation of his beliefs and personal history, this tattoo, devoid of the traditional depiction of Jesus, reflects Tommy’s lack of religious faith and potentially alludes to his involvement in a life of crime.
Additionally, it may symbolize his Romani heritage and his longing for freedom.
By examining the meaning behind Tommy’s chest tattoo and other tattoos that adorn his body, we gain a deeper understanding of his character and the internal conflicts he grapples with.
Meaning of Tommy Shelby’s Chest Tattoo
The meaning of Tommy Shelby’s chest tattoo can be attributed to his views on religion, faith, and desire for a free life. The tattoo, which features sun rays emanating from a central point, symbolizes Tommy’s absence of religious faith and potentially alludes to his life of crime. It is worth noting that the design may also reference Tommy’s Romani heritage and his desire for a life free from societal constraints.
Inspired by a real-life tattoo commonly depicting Jesus in the center of the rays, Tommy deliberately chooses to exclude Jesus from his tattoo, reflecting his personal beliefs. This omission further emphasizes his rejection of organized religion and his determination to live life on his own terms.
Tommy Shelby’s chest tattoo holds significant meaning in relation to his relationships as well. It signifies his desire for freedom and independence, suggesting that he will not be bound by anything, including marriage and love. Consequently, Tommy’s relationships often end poorly due to his commitment to his own autonomy. This clash between his tattoo’s meaning and his marriage to Lizzy highlights the internal conflicts he experiences.
Relationship Between Tommy’s Tattoo and His Relationships
Tommy Shelby’s tattoo on his chest has a significant impact on his relationships, symbolizing his desire for freedom and independence. It serves as a constant reminder of his commitment to his own personal autonomy.
Tommy’s relationships often suffer because of his unwillingness to be tied down, as the tattoo signifies his aversion to being bound by anything, including marriage and love. This is evident in his tumultuous marriage to Lizzy, which clashes with the meaning of his tattoo, as he desires to remain untethered.
The tattoo becomes a visual representation of the aspects of his life that he holds closest to his heart – his freedom and independence. Throughout the series, Tommy’s tattoo remains a constant presence, reflecting his character’s development and internal conflicts.
It serves as a visual reminder of his beliefs, experiences, and personal history. Tommy’s desire for freedom and independence, as symbolized by his tattoo, adds complexity to his relationships and shapes his identity. It is a testament to the depth of his character and the struggles he faces in his pursuit of individuality.
Tommy’s Other Tattoos and Their Meanings
One of Tommy Shelby’s other tattoos is a star with the word ‘Forrard’ on his right bicep, symbolizing his service in World War I. The tattoo serves as a reminder of Tommy’s involvement in the war and the impact it had on his life. The word ‘Forrard’ is a misspelling of the word ‘Forward,’ which is a common phrase used by soldiers during wartime to signify progress and moving forward. It represents Tommy’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
This tattoo also highlights Tommy’s loyalty and commitment to his fellow soldiers. It serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by him and his comrades during the war. Additionally, the star symbolizes bravery and honor, further emphasizing Tommy’s role as a war veteran.
Significance of Tattoos in Peaky Blinders
Tattoos in Peaky Blinders hold significant meaning and contribute to the overall aesthetic and character development of the series. These tattoos are not merely decorative but are carefully chosen to reflect the beliefs, experiences, and personal history of the characters.
Particularly, Tommy Shelby’s tattoos serve as visual reminders of important events and relationships in his life, adding depth to his character and helping to shape his identity in the series.
Tommy’s chest tattoo, with its design of sun rays, holds a profound symbolic significance. It represents his absence of religious faith and potentially alludes to his life of crime. This tattoo may also reference his Romani heritage and his desire for a free life. By excluding Jesus from the design, Tommy’s tattoo reflects his personal beliefs and signifies his desire for freedom and independence. It suggests that he will not be bound by anything, including marriage and love, which often leads to the poor outcomes of his relationships.
In addition to his chest tattoo, Tommy has several other tattoos on his body, each carrying its own unique meaning. For instance, the star with the word ‘Forrard’ on his right bicep symbolizes his service in World War I, while the rose and horseshoe on his left bicep commemorates his victory in the betting license battle. The initials ‘TGC’ on his right arm represent Tommy, Grace, and Charlie, highlighting his focus on his cause following Grace’s death.
Tommy Shelby’s Character Development
The evolution of the character can be seen through his actions and personal growth. Tommy Shelby’s character development in Peaky Blinders is a central aspect of the show. At the beginning, Tommy is portrayed as an independent, stoic, and ruthless gang leader. However, as the series progresses, we witness a more complex side to his personality. Despite his tough exterior, Tommy also possesses a more empathetic side, as demonstrated by his relationships, particularly with Grace Shelby. These relationships reveal his capacity for love and vulnerability, adding depth to his character.
Tommy’s chest tattoo symbolizes the duality of his character and the internal conflicts he faces. The absence of religious imagery in the tattoo reflects his absence of faith and potentially alludes to his life of crime. It also signifies his desire for freedom and independence, suggesting that he will not be bound by anything, including marriage and love. This conflicts with his relationship with Grace and his marriage to Lizzy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Did Tommy Choose the Design for His Chest Tattoo?
Tommy Shelby’s chest tattoo was chosen by him as a representation of his personal beliefs and desire for freedom. The design excludes Jesus and potentially references his Romani heritage, reflecting his views on religion and faith.
Does Tommy’s Tattoo Have Any Significance to the Plot of Peaky Blinders?
Tommy Shelby’s chest tattoo in Peaky Blinders represents his views on religion, freedom, and personal beliefs. It adds depth to his character, symbolizes his inner conflicts, and serves as a visual reminder of important events and relationships in his life.
What Is the Cultural Significance of Tommy’s Romani Heritage and How Does It Relate to His Chest Tattoo?
Tommy Shelby’s Romani heritage holds cultural significance in Peaky Blinders. While his chest tattoo’s meaning doesn’t directly relate, it suggests his desire for a free life, which may be influenced by his Romani background.
Are There Any Hidden Meanings or Symbols Within Tommy’s Chest Tattoo?
The sun rays tattoo on Tommy Shelby’s chest represents his views on religion, faith, and desire for a free life. It may also symbolize his Romani heritage. The tattoo reflects his personal beliefs and signifies his desire for freedom and independence.
How Do Tommy’s Other Tattoos Contribute to His Character Development Throughout Peaky Blinders?
Tommy Shelby’s other tattoos in Peaky Blinders contribute to his character development by symbolizing his experiences, beliefs, and relationships. Each tattoo adds depth to his persona and helps shape his identity throughout the series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tommy Shelby’s chest tattoo in Peaky Blinders serves as a visual representation of his lack of religious faith, potential involvement in a life of crime, Romani heritage, and desire for freedom. It also signifies his commitment to independence and rejection of societal constraints.
Furthermore, his other tattoos contribute to his character development and add layers to his personality. These tattoos play a significant role in shaping Tommy Shelby’s identity and reflecting his internal conflicts.
