Frank-N-Furter killed Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show primarily out of jealousy, resentment, and a desire to assert dominance. Eddie represented a disruptive force challenging Frank’s control over his creations and sexual partners, triggering a violent outburst fueled by his inherent insecurities and longing for complete power.
The Heart of the Matter: Jealousy and Control
While The Rocky Horror Picture Show is celebrated for its campy humor, catchy songs, and celebration of sexual liberation, the motivations behind Frank-N-Furter’s actions are complex and rooted in a deep need for control. Eddie, the pizza-delivering ex-delivery boy and a partial brain transplant creation of Dr. Everett V. Scott (Frank’s nemesis), is a symbol of a past that Frank wants to bury. Eddie’s re-emergence during Frank’s carefully orchestrated Transylvanian convention represents a threat to his carefully constructed image and his new ‘perfect’ creation, Rocky.
Eddie’s relationship with Columbia, one of Frank’s devoted servants, is another key factor. Frank is clearly sexually possessive of his followers and resents Eddie’s intrusion into their dynamic. The song “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul” is a sexually charged anthem celebrating Eddie’s return, and the overwhelmingly positive response from the Transylvanians undoubtedly fuels Frank’s anger. He sees Eddie as a rival for affection and attention, a situation he cannot tolerate.
Furthermore, Eddie’s rebellious spirit and unpredictable nature directly contradict Frank’s desire for obedience and conformity. Frank-N-Furter is a control freak who meticulously orchestrates every aspect of his environment. Eddie’s unpredictable antics disrupt this order, highlighting Frank’s inability to fully control the chaotic forces he unleashes. Killing Eddie becomes a desperate act to reassert his dominance and silence a disruptive element.
Finally, there’s the potential influence of Dr. Everett V. Scott, Eddie’s “father” in a sense. Frank and Scott harbor a deep-seated animosity, and Eddie’s presence serves as a constant reminder of this rivalry. In killing Eddie, Frank symbolically strikes a blow against Scott, further solidifying his position as the alpha and silencing a connection to his perceived enemy.
Addressing Key Questions: FAQs About Eddie’s Demise
To further explore the complexities surrounding Eddie’s death, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
H3: What Exactly Was Eddie’s Role in the Narrative?
Eddie served as a catalyst for conflict, disrupting Frank’s carefully crafted world and highlighting his inherent insecurities. He was a reminder of Frank’s past, a rival for affection, and a symbol of untamed chaos. He was a significant plot device and character whose actions heavily impacted other characters within the story.
H3: Was Eddie’s Death Planned From the Beginning?
While details might have evolved during the creative process, Eddie’s death was always intended as a shocking and dramatic moment. It’s not merely a random act of violence but a deliberate escalation of the tension, showcasing Frank’s increasing descent into madness and control.
H3: Did Meat Loaf, the Actor Who Played Eddie, Have Any Insight Into the Character’s Motivation?
Meat Loaf, in interviews, has discussed the character’s role as a rebel and his connection to Columbia. He understood that Eddie represented a disruptive force that threatened Frank’s carefully constructed world, thus understanding why the character would be at risk in the story.
H3: How Does Eddie’s Death Contribute to the Film’s Overall Themes?
Eddie’s death reinforces themes of control, rebellion, and the dangers of unchecked power. It demonstrates the destructive consequences of suppressing individuality and the lengths to which someone like Frank-N-Furter will go to maintain dominance.
H3: Why Did Frank Use a Pickaxe to Kill Eddie?
The pickaxe is a visually striking and symbolic weapon. It’s a tool associated with labor and industry, contrasting sharply with Frank’s glamorous and decadent lifestyle. Using it to kill Eddie emphasizes the brutality and industrial nature of Frank’s actions, transforming a tool into a symbol of violent repression. The pickaxe is just as iconic as Frank’s lipstick and platform boots.
H3: Was There Any Significance to Eddie Being Frozen in a Walk-In Freezer?
Freezing Eddie’s body after death is a disturbing act of preservation and control. It prevents decomposition, effectively trapping Eddie in a state of suspended animation. This further underscores Frank’s obsession with control and his inability to let go of the past. He almost exhibits necrophilic qualities.
H3: How Did Columbia React to Eddie’s Death?
Columbia’s reaction is one of profound grief and despair. Her close relationship with Eddie is evident, and his death deeply affects her. This is conveyed most powerfully in her emotional outburst during the “Eddie’s Teddy” sequence where she is seen clinging to pieces of his remains. Her sorrow highlights the human cost of Frank’s actions and the devastating impact of his tyranny.
H3: Did Dr. Everett V. Scott Know Frank Would Harm Eddie?
While Scott might have anticipated Frank’s animosity, he likely underestimated the extent of his cruelty. He certainly would have foreseen the overall volatile personality of Frank, but it’s impossible to know if he knew exactly what would happen. He brings Eddie as a disruption to Frank’s plans but to what extent is unknown.
H3: Could Eddie Have Avoided His Fate?
Given Frank’s nature and Eddie’s disruptive presence, it’s unlikely Eddie could have avoided his demise. His rebellious spirit and connection to Columbia made him a target, and Frank’s need for control ultimately sealed his fate. He was a pawn caught in a dangerous game.
H3: Does Eddie’s Story Have Any Real-World Parallels?
Eddie’s story can be seen as an allegory for the suppression of individuality and the dangers of authoritarianism. It highlights the importance of resisting conformity and challenging those in power. It’s about fighting for what you believe in, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
H3: What is the Significance of Serving Eddie as a Roast Dinner?
Serving Eddie as a roast dinner is a grotesque and shocking act that exemplifies Frank’s depravity and dominance. It’s a final act of desecration, transforming Eddie into a consumable object and forcing the other characters to participate in his dehumanization. It is both horrifying and undeniably memorable.
H3: What is the Best Way to Appreciate Eddie’s Contribution to The Rocky Horror Picture Show?
Appreciating Eddie involves recognizing his role as a catalyst for conflict, a symbol of rebellion, and a tragic victim of Frank’s tyranny. By understanding his significance, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the film’s complex themes and its enduring power. He is a character whose presence, though fleeting, significantly impacted the overall narrative.