Home / Arts and Entertainment / Wyle Reveals Robby's Secret 'Phaedrus' Tattoo
Wyle Reveals Robby's Secret 'Phaedrus' Tattoo
30 Apr
Summary
- Robby's tattoos, 'memento mori' and 'amor fati,' symbolize his aspirations.
- The name 'Phaedrus' on his arm references a philosophical novel.
- Robby's journey mirrors a character's quest for self-discovery and answers.
Actor Noah Wyle has disclosed the symbolic significance of character Robby's tattoos. Two tattoos, "memento mori" and "amor fati," reflect the principles Robby strives to live by. These serve as a contrast to his "Phaedrus" tattoo, representing a part of himself he has struggled to reconcile.
The name "Phaedrus" is a direct nod to Robert M. Pirsig's 1974 novel, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." Wyle explained that the book's themes resonate deeply with Robby's character arc, particularly his current journey.
This journey, described as a "utopian voyage" of self-discovery, distance, and solitude, parallels the philosophical odyssey presented in the novel. Wyle noted that the journey's lack of a fixed destination emphasizes the process itself, mirroring Robby's quest for answers.
Wyle further elaborated that "Phaedrus" represents a metaphorical ghost, akin to the protagonist's "better self" from whom he has been running. This layered meaning underscores Robby's internal struggle and his ongoing quest for personal understanding.
