I think that Ticket Taker is projecting his grief over Columbina onto Jester
I have personally found Ticket Taker’s deep devotion to Jester very odd and unsettling. At one point I even thought that Jester heavily manipulated Ticket Taker during his grief. Since he was likely the most affected by Columbina’s death. I say this because TT knew Columbina the longest and even nursed her back to health after she was likely neglected by her family (which, he may similarly see with Carol and her family dynamic). Also, remember, TT’s symbol is a teardrop, which represents grief; this vulnerability can be seen as exploitable. But I think the ‘devotion’ he has for Jester may derive from something else.
Yes, a big part of TT’s devotion likely stems from Jester’s leadership after her death. As everyone was grieving Columbina, Jester took initiative. That point has been made abundantly clear.
But there has to be something more. I personally believe that Ticket Taker is a deeply passionate individual. From the way he talks about Jester, it's clear that he can eloquently express his feelings in a remarkably vivid way. Passion stems from strong emotions, and despite the cold exterior we see from TT, those emotions seem to run deep.
One particularly strong emotion is love. Apart from how profitable love can be, why else might TT like Valentine’s day? Is it because he’s perhaps romantic himself? Is it nostalgia? Or does it simply remind him of someone?
Here are some main reasons why I believe that Ticket Taker is projecting onto Jester:
TT’s design is theatrical. It isn’t just meant to convey formality. From his outfit to his dramatic mask, every aspect of his appearance reflects that. He appreciates musicals and theatre, which likely influences his persona. I’ve discussed this before, but the reason I bring it up is because theatre is likely significant to his identity.
Think about the way he performs. I believe those reflections/illusions come from his own movements and his “acting” of the other characters. They stem not only from said ‘acting’, but from his memories as well.
I am convinced that he and Columbina would attend theatres together, and perhaps Columbina herself had a passion for acting, singing, or dancing.
If you’re familiar with my other theories, you know that I believe Ticket Taker is a walking memorial for Columbina. He has accepted that as his identity, carrying the burden of grief so that her memory can live on. That is why he is remarkably dedicated. Because he is dedicated to her.
But who else is he dedicated to? Jester.
Jester is the only one TT seems to attend theaters with and they share a mutual appreciation for many things. They have commonalities. Jester is not the only character TT has common traits with, but they stand out specifically. Jester could also be his social outlet, since he doesn’t seem to spend as much time with the others (aside from when they’re all joined together for things like meals or meetings).
Masculinity, Femininity, and Androgyny
Ticket Taker and Columbina are represented by the colors blue and pink. Columbina is coquettish or feminine. Ticket Taker is traditionally masculine. And Jester is androgynous.
Referring back to the contrast color image, androgyny can be perceived as somewhat of an intersection between masculinity and femininity.
One reason why I believe Columbina was coquette is not only because of the color pink but also with how Carol (Imaginably TT’s main fool) is presented.
In this frame, Carol is standing properly, looking more ‘soft’ compared to the other fools. She represents Ticket Taker’s ‘sweet and innocent’ view of Columbina. This image that he has is an idealized version of Columbina.
Here are a few reasons why I believe that Ticket Taker resembles ‘traditional masculinity.’ He falls into the ‘old-fashion man’ trope, particularly one that you’d expect an older, traditional man to have (which is also a reason why I think he and Harlequin don’t get along. TT can be seen as representing tradition, while Harlequin can represent new-gen youth).
This ‘traditional masculinity’ can be demonstrated in many things he does. He handles finances, serves as one of the organizers of the troupe, he also seems to have some sort of authority in the troupe (or at least is seen as one by Pierrot in particular). TT also values control and order (and may even view himself as the one responsible for delivering them).
Some of his dialogue can also be interpreted as reflecting traits/attitudes traditionally associated with masculinity or at least authority.
For example, he sounds like a strict father here.
I don’t think I need to speak too deeply about Jester’s androgyny. His tunic and pants are more masculine but is balanced by his heels boots, gloves, and hair.
Also, if you look at Jester’s purple directly under the light, it looks more pinkish. I suspect TT’s abilities involves lighting also so that may be something.
Ticket Taker’s Idealization of Jester
Ticket Taker does not simply see Jester as a colleague or a friend, he puts him on a pedestal. Quite dramatically at that. He even goes to the odd extent to call Jester a god. This is idealization and is likely a coping mechanism to account for the presence he no longer has. Columbina can be considered an anchor of sorts in Ticket Taker’s life. She created structure in his day-to-day, gave him purpose, and was likely crucial to his comfortable routine.
But he also idealized her. In the Tent of Mirrors, Columbina’s mirror is his favorite. It is also the largest mirror in the row and looms the tallest. But here is an additional detail: her mirror is significantly taller and larger than his own mirror. Yes, it is tallest in comparison to all the mirrors, but especially his. I believe this is to show his idealization and therefore him putting her on a rather intense pedestal.
Idealization is not healthy.
And here, Ticket Taker idealizes Jester, going as far as to compare him to a god.
I don’t believe that he sees Jester at the same intensity and passion as he does for Columbina. His affection for her is unadulterated and absolute. No one comes close to her place. He practically lives for her as an extension. This was likely a way for him to console himself over the fact that he couldn't take her place.
So essentially, Jester is ‘close enough’ to resembling Columbina. Purple is close to pink. Purple is close to blue. He is an intersection and a balance. Which may also explain why Ticket Taker is so protective of Jester.
He protects Jester similarly to how he protects Carol, who many (including myself) believe is someone he also projects Columbina onto.
In essence, Jester’s androgyny aligns with Ticket Taker’s representation of masculinity; he also acts as a counterbalance to Columbina’s absence of femininity in Ticket Taker’s life. However, said balance is not as strong as how Columbina’s feminity matched with it, but it is similar. Since androgyny is not just femininity.
Columbina is irreplaceable to Ticket Taker. No one will ever replace her. There can only be a projection of what she was onto someone else.
This may be a reason why Ticket Taker and Jester are able to ‘work in remarkable harmony.’
However, androgyny does not need to relate to binary masculine and feminine concepts so there’s that to consider also.
