LOST: Jack's Tattoo
OK. Here's my first theory. I have found some discussion out there about Jack's tattoo. He has the number five (5) tattooed on his shoulder. There was some mention about the fact that the actor who plays Jack, Matthew Fox, got it as some kind of a reference to the TV show "Party of Five". He was a cast member.
That may be true, but the tattoo is prominently displayed on LOST regularly. I also understand that he has other tattoos that have been covered up for LOST. Then in the pilot episode, there is the whole thing between Jack and Kate about counting to five when you are afraid. So, I propose that each character has at least one number associated with them. Some are the row numbers where they were seated on the plane. Others have other numbers. Five is Jack's number. It is also something he has in common with Kate.
The Bigger Picture: Now, I know there has been a lot of discussion about the passengers of Flight 815 being dead and in Purgatory. Some theorize that Sawyer is The Devil. Others say Locke is the Devil. Then J. J. Abrams, in an interview, said "The purgatory one is a great one, I love that theory - but it isn't what it is. I'd be frustrated if that were the answer I have to say."
Well, like life, this show is operating on many different levels. And even LOST itself addresses the fact that rationalists tend to interpret reality in terms of rational explanations; while religious people are quicker to accept supernatural explanations. Hence the episode titled "Man of Science, Man of Faith", and the conversation between Desmond and Jack about believing in miracles.
Nevertheless, you can't deny the HUGE amount of biblical references in the program. And now we have Mr. Eko, who is trying to find redemption for his evil, Nigerian gangster ways by assuming the role of a Catholic priest. This made a light bulb come on over my head. Everyone on the island seems to have something that they need to be redeemed for. They have all committed some transgression, or many transgressions, or a pattern of bad behavior that they want to be saved from.
Now, back to Jack's tattoo: I started thinking about the number five being associated with Jack. And, I was thinking about it in the context of everyone having done something they need redemption for. So I considered things like the Seven Deadly Sins. Then I looked at the Ten Commandments.
Jack's personal Hell is that he betrayed his father. This is the thing he loses sleep over, and has nightmares about. Now, which commandment gets which number depends on who you listen to. I consulted Wikipedia on the subject. In the original, Jewish interpretation, the FIFTH COMMANDMENT is "Honor thy father and thy mother". Coincidence?
And, what about the thing between Kate and Jack with counting to five? Remember, we think any reference to numbers in this program is significant. Kate murdered her father. Right?
So, chew on that thought for a while. I'll post more soon.
-Brian
That may be true, but the tattoo is prominently displayed on LOST regularly. I also understand that he has other tattoos that have been covered up for LOST. Then in the pilot episode, there is the whole thing between Jack and Kate about counting to five when you are afraid. So, I propose that each character has at least one number associated with them. Some are the row numbers where they were seated on the plane. Others have other numbers. Five is Jack's number. It is also something he has in common with Kate.
The Bigger Picture: Now, I know there has been a lot of discussion about the passengers of Flight 815 being dead and in Purgatory. Some theorize that Sawyer is The Devil. Others say Locke is the Devil. Then J. J. Abrams, in an interview, said "The purgatory one is a great one, I love that theory - but it isn't what it is. I'd be frustrated if that were the answer I have to say."
Well, like life, this show is operating on many different levels. And even LOST itself addresses the fact that rationalists tend to interpret reality in terms of rational explanations; while religious people are quicker to accept supernatural explanations. Hence the episode titled "Man of Science, Man of Faith", and the conversation between Desmond and Jack about believing in miracles.
Nevertheless, you can't deny the HUGE amount of biblical references in the program. And now we have Mr. Eko, who is trying to find redemption for his evil, Nigerian gangster ways by assuming the role of a Catholic priest. This made a light bulb come on over my head. Everyone on the island seems to have something that they need to be redeemed for. They have all committed some transgression, or many transgressions, or a pattern of bad behavior that they want to be saved from.
Now, back to Jack's tattoo: I started thinking about the number five being associated with Jack. And, I was thinking about it in the context of everyone having done something they need redemption for. So I considered things like the Seven Deadly Sins. Then I looked at the Ten Commandments.
Jack's personal Hell is that he betrayed his father. This is the thing he loses sleep over, and has nightmares about. Now, which commandment gets which number depends on who you listen to. I consulted Wikipedia on the subject. In the original, Jewish interpretation, the FIFTH COMMANDMENT is "Honor thy father and thy mother". Coincidence?
And, what about the thing between Kate and Jack with counting to five? Remember, we think any reference to numbers in this program is significant. Kate murdered her father. Right?
So, chew on that thought for a while. I'll post more soon.
-Brian
posted by LostAholic at 8:39 PM
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