Ruby Shelby, the daughter of Tommy Shelby and Lizzie Stark, meets her heartbreaking end in Season 6, Episode 4, titled “Sapphire.” This episode marks a pivotal turning point in the final season, deeply impacting Tommy and the direction of the entire Shelby family saga.
The Premonition and the Diagnosis
Ruby’s illness is foreshadowed in earlier episodes of Season 6. She experiences vivid and disturbing visions, including seeing a figure she calls “The Grey Man” and speaking in Romani, a language she shouldn’t know. This initially leads Tommy to believe she is cursed, stemming from his past dealings with Romani communities. He consults with Esme Shelby-Lee, his cousin and a Romani expert, who confirms his fears, adding to the sense of impending doom.
However, the true cause of Ruby’s deteriorating health is eventually revealed to be consumption (tuberculosis). Despite receiving treatment, her condition rapidly worsens. The delay in diagnosis and the initial focus on superstitious beliefs contribute significantly to her tragic outcome. The episode “Sapphire” meticulously portrays the emotional turmoil and desperate measures undertaken by Tommy and Lizzie as they grapple with Ruby’s illness.
The Loss and Its Impact on Tommy
Ruby’s death profoundly affects Tommy. He is consumed by grief, guilt, and a renewed sense of purpose. The loss fuels his determination to avenge his daughter and to protect his remaining family members. It also forces him to confront his own mortality and the consequences of his past actions.
Ruby’s death serves as a catalyst for Tommy’s transformation throughout the rest of the season. He becomes more ruthless and determined to dismantle his enemies. It reignites his internal conflict, forcing him to question his own morality and the legacy he will leave behind. It also weakens him, making him vulnerable but also ultimately shaping the person he becomes as the series comes to a close.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ruby’s Death in Peaky Blinders
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ruby’s death, addressing common inquiries and providing deeper insights into this pivotal moment in the Peaky Blinders narrative:
What specific illness did Ruby Shelby have?
Ruby was diagnosed with consumption, also known as tuberculosis (TB). While initially suspected to be a curse or a supernatural affliction, medical examinations revealed the bacterial infection that ultimately led to her death.
Why did Tommy initially believe Ruby was cursed?
Tommy’s initial belief in a curse stemmed from several factors: Ruby’s visions of “The Grey Man,” her speaking in Romani, and his own past dealings with Romani communities, some of whom he may have wronged. This belief highlighted his connection to his Romani heritage and his susceptibility to superstition, despite his outwardly rational demeanor. He perceived the illness as a consequence of his past actions coming back to haunt him.
How did Lizzie react to Ruby’s illness and death?
Lizzie’s reaction to Ruby’s illness and death was one of profound grief and despair. She was a devoted mother and witnessed her daughter’s suffering firsthand. Lizzie’s sorrow added another layer of emotional devastation to the storyline, and she blamed Tommy’s enemies for her daughter’s fate. Her relationship with Tommy became strained as she grieved.
Could Ruby have been saved with better medical care?
The series suggests that earlier and more accurate diagnosis and treatment could have potentially improved Ruby’s chances of survival. The delay in diagnosis, influenced by Tommy’s initial belief in a curse, certainly contributed to the severity of her condition. However, the prevalence of tuberculosis in that era meant even the best medical care was not always successful.
What was the significance of Ruby speaking in Romani?
Ruby speaking in Romani was significant because she had no prior exposure to the language. This seemingly inexplicable event fueled the initial suspicion of a curse and highlighted Tommy’s Romani heritage. It also served as a plot device to introduce the potential connection between Ruby’s illness and Tommy’s past dealings with Romani communities. It served as a reminder of the unseen and the unspoken, a legacy that shaped and haunted Tommy’s life.
How did Ruby’s death affect Tommy’s mental state?
Ruby’s death had a devastating impact on Tommy’s mental state. Already struggling with PTSD and other psychological issues, the loss of his daughter pushed him to the brink. He became even more reckless and determined to avenge her, while simultaneously questioning his own purpose and morality. The grief compounded his existing trauma, making him a more complex and volatile character.
How does Ruby’s death contribute to the overall themes of Peaky Blinders?
Ruby’s death reinforces several key themes in Peaky Blinders, including the consequences of violence, the burden of family, and the inevitability of loss. It highlights the fragility of life and the vulnerability of even the most powerful individuals. It also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of violence and the toll it takes on innocent lives. The death echoes the larger themes of family, legacy, and the cost of ambition.
What symbolic meaning can be found in Ruby’s death?
Symbolically, Ruby’s death represents the loss of innocence and the corruption of childhood by the brutal world of the Peaky Blinders. She is an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of Tommy’s dangerous lifestyle. Her death also symbolizes the decay and eventual downfall of the Shelby family, as they struggle to escape the consequences of their past actions.
Why is the episode titled “Sapphire”?
The episode’s title, “Sapphire,” likely holds symbolic meaning. Sapphires are often associated with wisdom, truth, and protection. The episode deals with Tommy seeking truth about Ruby’s illness and grappling with the consequences of his actions that failed to protect her. The sapphire, known for its association with healing, is particularly ironic given the episode’s subject matter.
How does Ruby’s death affect Tommy’s relationship with Lizzie?
Ruby’s death significantly strains Tommy’s relationship with Lizzie. They both grieve deeply, but their coping mechanisms differ. Lizzie blames Tommy’s enemies for Ruby’s fate, creating resentment and tension between them. This trauma tests their bond and leads to a period of emotional distance.
How did the actors playing Tommy and Lizzie prepare for these emotionally charged scenes?
Cillian Murphy and Natasha O’Keeffe, who portray Tommy and Lizzie respectively, are known for their dedication to their roles. They likely engaged in extensive research and preparation, focusing on understanding the emotional depth of their characters’ grief and the dynamics of their relationship. Interviews with the actors reveal their commitment to authentically portraying the trauma and emotional fallout from Ruby’s death.
Did other characters in Peaky Blinders blame Tommy for Ruby’s death?
While direct accusations may not have been explicitly stated by all characters, there were certainly undertones of blame directed towards Tommy. Lizzie, as mentioned earlier, blamed Tommy’s enemies. Tommy himself internalizes a great deal of guilt, recognizing that his lifestyle and choices contributed to the circumstances surrounding Ruby’s death. The guilt weighs heavily on him and is a defining element of his character arc in Season 6.