The television series Penny Dreadful, set in Victorian-era London, integrates tarot symbolism deeply into its narrative structure and character development. Rather than functioning as mere decorative props, the tarot cards featured in the show serve as essential storytelling tools that enhance the supernatural atmosphere and drive the plot forward. The series utilizes a custom-designed tarot deck that deviates from traditional decks such as the Rider-Waite-Smith, incorporating Gothic aesthetics, occult symbols, and imagery specific to the show's themes. These cards are primarily wielded by the character Vanessa Ives, who possesses psychic abilities and expertise in the occult. Through her consultations, the tarot provides insight into the future, guides decision-making, and offers a visual representation of the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters.
The use of tarot in Penny Dreadful is characterized by a dark and edgy approach to design and interpretation. The cards reflect the show's macabre themes and the duality of human nature, often serving as a mirror for the characters' subconscious struggles. Specific cards, such as The Devil, The Tower, and The Lovers, carry significant narrative weight, foreshadowing events and symbolizing the constant battle between good and evil. The integration of these cards into the storyline emphasizes the exploration of the unconscious mind and the supernatural mysteries that permeate the series. By assigning unique, show-specific meanings to traditional archetypes, the tarot deck becomes a dynamic element that adds depth, intrigue, and a sense of impending transformation to the narrative.
The Custom Deck and Aesthetic Design
The tarot deck used in Penny Dreadful was specifically created for the production, distinguishing it from standard tarot decks. The design philosophy behind the deck was to align visually and thematically with the show's Gothic horror setting. While the cards maintain the general structure and symbolism of traditional tarot archetypes, they are reimagined through a darker lens. The color palettes are typically darker, and the imagery incorporates haunting visuals and occult symbols that resonate with the Victorian supernatural context.
This custom approach allows the cards to function as an extension of the show's world-building. For viewers familiar with traditional tarot, the deviations in Penny Dreadful’s deck serve to unsettle and foreshadow, creating a sense of familiarity twisted by the show's dark reality. The artwork is not merely aesthetic; it is designed to convey the specific emotional and thematic weight of the narrative moments in which they appear.
Key Card Interpretations and Narrative Significance
The narrative weight of the tarot in Penny Dreadful is best understood by examining the specific cards highlighted in the source material and their thematic resonance with the characters.
The Devil
The Devil card in the Penny Dreadful deck is depicted with a haunting visage, symbolizing temptation, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature. Within the context of the show, this card is intrinsically linked to the struggles of Vanessa Ives. As she becomes increasingly entangled with supernatural forces and battles internal demons, the appearance of The Devil serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat of corruption and the seductive nature of darkness. It represents the externalization of her internal war against evil.
The Tower
Visually representing a structure struck by lightning and engulfed in flames, The Tower card signifies sudden, catastrophic change and upheaval. In the narrative, this card acts as a harbinger of chaos and transformation. It foreshadows events that shake the foundations of the characters' lives, serving as a warning of impending destruction that ultimately leads to necessary, albeit painful, change. The imagery aligns perfectly with the show's motif of crumbling societal and personal structures.
The Lovers
The Lovers card, depicting a man and woman in a tender embrace, traditionally symbolizes love, harmony, and balance. In Penny Dreadful, while it retains these elements, its appearance often highlights the complexities and dangers inherent in the characters' relationships. Given the show's themes of duality and moral conflict, The Lovers likely serves to underscore the choices characters must make regarding their affections and alliances in a world where trust is fragile.
The Fool
The Penny Dreadful interpretation of The Fool departs significantly from the traditional image of an innocent traveler. The show’s version features a creepy clown-like figure with a menacing grin and a blood-stained suit. This design injects a sense of danger and unpredictability into the card's meaning. It aligns with the show's themes that the path of the innocent is fraught with peril and that what appears to be a journey of new beginnings may actually be a descent into madness or horror.
The Death Card
While traditional tarot often interprets the Death card as a symbol of transformation and rebirth, the Penny Dreadful deck presents a more literal and macabre interpretation. The design features a Grim Reaper-like figure holding a scythe, surrounded by skulls. This imagery emphasizes the finality and morbidity of death, reflecting the show's preoccupation with mortality and the physical reality of the grave. It underscores the high stakes of the narrative, where death is a constant, tangible presence rather than merely a metaphor for change.
The Hierophant
The Hierophant card is noted for its significance in the story arc of Ethan Chandler. Traditionally representing tradition, conformity, and established institutions, the card highlights Ethan's struggle to reconcile his true nature with the expectations of society. It serves as a visual motif for his internal conflict between his human persona and his hidden, darker self, emphasizing the tension between conformity and authenticity.
Tarot as a Tool for Character Exploration
In Penny Dreadful, the tarot cards are not used solely for divination of external events; they are deeply integrated into the psychological exploration of the characters. For Vanessa Ives, the cards act as a catalyst for delving into her own psyche. They provide a framework through which she can process her visions and confront her inner demons. The act of drawing cards is portrayed as a ritual that taps into the subconscious, allowing characters to explore deep emotions and hidden desires that they might otherwise suppress.
The cards also serve as a foreshadowing device, offering hints and clues regarding the characters' personal journeys and the overarching plot. For instance, the drawing of the Death card signals a significant turning point, setting the stage for future events and preparing the audience for a shift in the narrative trajectory. This use of tarot adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling, blending the supernatural with the psychological.
Conclusion
The tarot cards in Penny Dreadful are a sophisticated narrative device that enhances the show's Gothic atmosphere and deepens character development. Through a custom-designed deck that reinterprets traditional archetypes with a dark, macabre aesthetic, the series explores themes of duality, the unconscious mind, and the battle between good and evil. Cards such as The Devil, The Tower, and The Death card are not merely props but integral elements that foreshadow events, represent internal struggles, and reflect the show's overarching themes. By serving as both a tool for character introspection and a harbinger of fate, the tarot in Penny Dreadful adds a profound layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.