Spalding, the enigmatic and often unsettling butler of Miss Robichaux’s Academy in American Horror Story: Coven, is a ghost bound to the house due to his deep, obsessive love for Fiona Goode and his subsequent murder at her hands. His silent presence, unsettling actions, and devotion to the coven’s history make him a pivotal, albeit tragic, figure.
The Shadowy Figure: Spalding Explained
Spalding’s role in American Horror Story: Coven is complex and multi-layered. He’s more than just a butler; he’s a repository of the Academy’s history, a secret keeper, and a victim of unrequited love. He’s a powerful presence despite his muteness, communicating through gestures, facial expressions, and, eventually, spectral appearances. His loyalty to the coven, even in death, shapes the events unfolding within the haunted walls of Miss Robichaux’s. While his actions are often morally ambiguous and even disturbing, they stem from a twisted sense of devotion and a desire to protect the institution he’s served for so long. His character explores themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the dark side of loyalty.
Deciphering Spalding: FAQs
Here are 12 frequently asked questions, delving deeper into the character of Spalding and his significance in American Horror Story: Coven:
1. How did Spalding lose his tongue?
Spalding’s tongue was severed by Fiona Goode after he admitted to murdering Madison Montgomery to protect her. Fiona, as the Supreme, feared that Madison’s death would threaten her power and legacy. By silencing Spalding, she removed the threat of him exposing her involvement. This act highlights Fiona’s ruthless nature and Spalding’s blind devotion, as he was willing to sacrifice himself for her.
2. What is Spalding’s relationship with Fiona Goode?
Spalding harbored a deep, obsessive, and unrequited love for Fiona Goode. He saw her as the ultimate expression of power and witchly perfection. This infatuation drove many of his actions, including his confession to murdering Madison, even though he didn’t initially commit the crime. He became her willing accomplice, hoping to earn her affection, a hope that remained tragically unfulfilled. His love for Fiona bordered on pathological and formed the core of his existence.
3. Why does Spalding collect dolls?
Spalding’s doll collection represents a distorted reflection of his desire for companionship and a twisted surrogate for the family he never had. The dolls serve as silent confidantes and objects of his affection, reflecting his loneliness and isolation within the Academy. He often treats them as if they are real people, projecting his emotions and desires onto them. This unsettling hobby reveals the depths of his disturbed psyche.
4. Is Spalding a ghost or a living person throughout the series?
Spalding is initially introduced as a living person. However, after Fiona murders him, he becomes a ghost bound to Miss Robichaux’s Academy. He exists in the spectral realm, able to interact with the physical world to a limited extent. This ghostly existence allows him to continue serving the coven and to maintain his watch over the Academy, even in death. His status as a ghost amplifies his unsettling presence and gives him an ethereal quality.
5. Who ultimately killed Madison Montgomery?
While Spalding initially took the blame, it’s revealed that Kyle Spencer killed Madison after she repeatedly assaulted him in a state of drug-induced stupor. Spalding confessed to the murder to protect Fiona, adding another layer of tragedy to his character. This reveal underscores the dysfunctional nature of the coven and the willingness of its members to protect their own, even at the expense of others.
6. Does Spalding ever find peace or redemption?
Spalding’s storyline in Coven doesn’t offer a definitive sense of peace or redemption. He remains a tormented spirit, bound to the Academy and consumed by his unrequited love for Fiona. His actions, while driven by devotion, are often morally questionable. The ending leaves his fate ambiguous, suggesting that his suffering continues even after the events of the season conclude.
7. What role does Spalding play in protecting the new Supreme?
After his death, Spalding continues to serve the coven in his ghostly form. He assists Cordelia Goode in becoming the new Supreme, guiding her and offering his knowledge of the Academy’s history and secrets. His loyalty shifts from Fiona to Cordelia, demonstrating a dedication to the coven itself, rather than just one individual. This transition showcases a glimmer of selflessness beneath his often disturbing exterior.
8. How does Spalding communicate without his tongue?
Spalding communicates primarily through gestures, facial expressions, and by writing notes. His expressive eyes and exaggerated mannerisms convey a wide range of emotions, allowing the audience to understand his thoughts and feelings despite his inability to speak. This reliance on non-verbal communication adds to the intrigue and mystery surrounding his character.
9. What are some of Spalding’s most memorable scenes?
Some of Spalding’s most memorable scenes include:
- His confession to murdering Madison.
- His interactions with his doll collection.
- His ghostly appearances, offering cryptic warnings.
- His attempts to protect the Academy from external threats.
- His silent expressions of longing for Fiona.
These scenes highlight his complex personality and his unsettling presence within the Academy.
10. What is the significance of Spalding’s Victorian clothing?
Spalding’s Victorian clothing reinforces his connection to the Academy’s history and tradition. It evokes a sense of old-world elegance and mystery, emphasizing his role as a guardian of the coven’s legacy. The clothing also hints at a deeper connection to the past, suggesting a timeless quality to his character and his dedication to the institution.
11. How does Spalding’s character contribute to the overall themes of American Horror Story: Coven?
Spalding’s character contributes to several key themes in American Horror Story: Coven, including:
- Obsession and Unrequited Love: His infatuation with Fiona highlights the destructive nature of unhealthy attachments.
- Power and Corruption: His actions demonstrate the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their own interests, even when morally reprehensible.
- Tradition and Legacy: His role as a guardian of the Academy’s history underscores the importance of preserving the past, even in the face of change.
- Isolation and Loneliness: His doll collection and solitary existence highlight the emotional toll of isolation and the need for human connection.
12. Is there any connection between Spalding in Coven and other characters in the American Horror Story universe?
While Spalding himself doesn’t directly appear in other seasons, the show’s anthology format allows for thematic connections and recurring actors. There are no direct familial or canonical links established in other seasons, meaning Spalding remains unique to the Coven storyline. The show does like to recycle actors in vastly different roles, giving a sense of familiarity to new characters and seasons.
The Lasting Impression of Spalding
Spalding remains one of the most memorable characters from American Horror Story: Coven. His tragic backstory, unsettling presence, and unwavering devotion make him a compelling and complex figure. He embodies the darker aspects of love, loyalty, and tradition, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll. His ghostly presence serves as a constant reminder of the Academy’s haunted past and the secrets buried within its walls.