Symbols and Meanings of the Ghosts in Crimson Peak

The engaging Crimson Peak not only captivates with its gothic atmosphere and enthralling plot but also intricately uses color symbolism to convey deeper meanings behind the ghosts.

White Ghost: Thomas Sharpe's Peaceful Departure

In the novel, several important changes highlight Thomas Sharpe's redemption and transformation. One of the most striking elements is the color white associated with his spirit, which is a symbol of peace and salvation. Unlike the dark, eerie colors of other souls trapped in the spirit world, Thomas's white spirit signifies that he found solace in death. This is a far cry from the madness and gloom that formerly enveloped him.

Thomas's eagerness to explore his love with Edith, despite the dire consequences, further emphasizes his decision to leave the Sharpe family. His golden eyes in the book, a color that often represents light and hope, underscore his choice to seek a brighter future, symbolizing his divine or eternal salvation. His decision to leave the house forever is then a clear statement that he is no longer a part of the Sharpe family, but rather a free spirit.

Purple for Lucille: A Complex Spirit

Lucille Sharpe's ghost is a particularly compelling character, whose purple color reflects not only the severity of her historical circumstances but also her complex, dark past. Though she died at Crimson Peak, her spirit is purple, a color deeply symbolic in the context of the novel. This contrasts sharply with the red ghosts, indicating a different type of torment and attachment to the house.

The house itself, a living entity with its own distinct personality, claims Lucille as the "one and only Sharpe," symbolizing the source of all the misfortunes and darkness that have befallen the house. Lucille’s surrender to the darkness and her subsequent transformation into a vessel of evil, exemplified by the blackening of her spirit and the murder of her own child, serve as a tragic warning. The purple color also reflects Lucille's spiritual illness, a mental condition that parallels her mother’s physical ailment. This foreshadows the true nature of the malevolent forces within the house.

The Living House and Ghosts as Narrators

The house as an actual character in the book plays a significant role in the narrative, serving as both an antagonist and a source of subtle narration. It is a living entity that can reflect the transformation of its inhabitants and their fates. This unique facet of the story is further complicated by the integration of the ghosts, who serve as narrators. They provide insights into the tragic events that have shaped the house and the fates of its occupants.

The interactions between the ghosts and the living characters, particularly between Lucille and Edward, serve to highlight the house's own cognitive processes. When Lucille surrenders to the darkness and murders Edward, the house acknowledges her as the one who embodies its essence, being proud of her deeds. This scene is both macabre and symbolic, illustrating how the house is truly a reflection of its occupants and their decisions.

Conclusion

Color symbolism is an integral part of the narrative in Crimson Peak, enriching the story and providing insights into the characters' fates and the overall atmosphere of the book. Understanding the deeper meanings behind the colors of the ghosts enhances the reader's appreciation of the novel and its complexities. Whether through the redemption of Thomas or the malevolence of Lucille, the use of color in the book offers a profound exploration of human nature and the supernatural.