star wars analysis essay

Introduction to Cinema 201

Free movie reviews, film analysis: star wars – revenge of the sith.

January 19, 2017

“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith brings Fantasy/Sci-Fi to life as George Lucas directs another classic. This blockbuster film released in 2005 perfectly illustrates George Lucas’ cinematic language in ways that we can only sit and watch in awe. Revenge of the Sith puts together a complex plot onto a framework of virtually non-stop action. Although much of the audience already knows what is supposed to happen in the movie, Lucas once again amazes and surprises. The first 20 minutes — a breathtaking rollercoaster of explosions and acrobatics, space battles, lightsaber duels — rivals anything we’ve seen in the series.

The film begins with action and chaos and continues that theme throughout the entirety of the movie. Lucas re-introduces us to two of the protagonists immediately and emphasizes their relationship. Throughout the movie, although at times the dialogue is vague and sometimes cheesy, we see the connections and relationships between many different characters. Many say that the whole movie is about the relationships between Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Natalie Portman (Padme), and Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan). These relationships are altered, flipped, re-born, and destroyed in the movie. Revenge of the Sith doesn’t waste time on useless characters or plod through the usual Senate meetings or interstellar politics.

Because the material is so passionate in this installment, with so many conflicting emotions and climactic confrontations, Lucas’ storytelling has vastly improved. But what’s odd and relieving about this script, as opposed to the others, is that the dialogue doesn’t tell the story. It’s the visuals and the extensive emotions that pilot Revenge of the Sith . A perfect example of the “vague” dialogue can be found during a conversation between Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) and Natalie Portman (Padme). During the conversation, Anakin speaks of Padme’s beauty, she proclaims she is so in love with him, he repeats the same, and so on.

A technique or characteristic that George Lucas uses in this film and all his films is music. Lucas uses an array of gorgeous music, spanning from the force theme, to the imperial march, to binary sunset, to the classic Star Wars theme composed by John Williams. These songs and themes are perfectly placed throughout the film to create a tone in the scene. For example, in the end of the movie when ‘Darth Vader’ is being propped up on the table, Lucas chose to put “Enter Lord Vader” by the London Symphony Orchestra, composed by John Williams, a song that builds anticipation like no other, perfect for this scene. Another example would be when Mace Windu and the Sith Lord duel. During this scene, we hear a song called “unlimited power”, again by the London Symphony Orchestra, and again composed by John Williams. We sense the tone through the music, as the trumpets get louder and create anxiety throughout the duel.

Another thing that Lucas incorporates into this movie subtly is a good amount of humor. Whenever the audience isn’t watching lightsaber duels or space battles, they’re bound to hear a funny remark from some character, usually it being the main characters. An example of this would be when Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) and Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan) are speaking with General Grievous (anti-hero). The general makes a remark saying that he thought Anakin would be older, so Anakin makes a funny remark saying that he thought that Grievous would be taller. Little jokes like this are placed in random, but perfect, spots throughout the whole movie to lighten the mood.

The style that is shown in Star Wars might just be the best part of the film. There is a specific style for each character in the movie. Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), for example, always wears a brown or black Jedi robe, while Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan) always wears a tan or brown robe. A character that perfectly portrays Lucas’ crazy sense of style is Padme (Natalie Portman). Ranging from her hair, to her outfits, to her makeup, Padme is by far the most stylish character in the movie.

George Lucas has achieved what few artists do, he has created and populated a world of his own. Star Wars is one of the most influential, both technically and commercially, series ever made.

Barsam, Richard Meran. Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film . New York: W.W. Norton, 2007. Print.

Star Wars, Episode III, Revenge of the Sith . By George Lucas. Dir. George Lucas. Prod. George Lucas and Rick McCallum. Perf. Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Hayden Christensen. 20th Century Fox, 2005.

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The following analysis reveals a comprehensive look at the Storyform for Star Wars . Unlike most of the analysis found here—which simply lists the unique individual story appreciations—this in-depth study details the actual encoding for each structural item. This also means it has been incorporated into the Dramatica Story Expert application itself as an easily referenced contextual example.

Story Dynamics

8 of the 12 essential questions

After years of following other people’s advice, Luke finally decides to ignore his superior’s commands to use the targeting computer and does it the way he (and Obi Wan) thinks is best.

Luke must stop testing his readiness and listening to others’ advice so that he may trust in himself.

Luke is frequently acting first, thinking later.  He chases after R2D2 into dangerous parts of the Tatooine desert and gets captured by the Sand People; he rushes to rescue Princess Leia without a plan of escape; he blasts the shield door closed and strands Leia and himself on a ledge without an escape route; etc.

Luke is extremely goal (and results) oriented.

It is the Empire’s creation of the Death Star that forces the Rebellion to confront the Empire directly; it is the Empire’s boarding of the Councilor’s ship that forces Leia to send the plans with R2D2 and C3P0; it is R2D2’s run into the desert with the vital holographic message that joins Luke and Obi Wan and convinces Obi Wan to end his days as a hermit; it is the Stormtroopers barbecuing of Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru that sways Luke’s decision to join forces with Obi Wan; it is the presence of the Stormtroopers in the Cantina that influences Han to take Obi Wan’s group to the Alderaan system; etc.

There are only so many places that the Rebel forces can be hiding.  It does not matter how long it takes the Empire to find the Rebel base, but once they do the showdown must occur.

The Death Star is destroyed by the Rebellion which allows the Rebellion to find another safe haven from the Empire (until the sequels).

Luke becomes a hero.

Overall Story Throughline

""Destroying the Death Star""

Star Wars is about a war between the Empire and the Rebellion.  There is not any set place where this needs to take place, but is an exploration of the feints, attacks, and battles that occur between the two forces.

The Empire is building the Death Star and searching for the location of the Rebels; the Rebels are attempting to keep their location secret and are trying to transport the plans of the Death Star to their home base; etc.

The entire war between the Rebellion and the Empire is a match between skills and experience.  The Empire has a great deal of experience in quashing upstart groups, but its skills at doing so are rusty.  The Rebellion, which has far less experience, is made up of great numbers of raw talent like Luke.  This is counterpointed by the conflict between Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader.

Experience marks the true distinction between who can take care of themselves and who can’t—as when Han laughs at the idea of an inexperienced pilot like Luke buying his own spaceship to fly to Alderaan.  Experience is very advantageous in this story.

Although skills are important and no one can get by without them in this galaxy, there is no substitute for experience.  When skills become tempered by experience, either in tests by fire or in experience with the mystical Force, then those skills become even more effective.  A faith in Skills, for example the Empire’s faith in their own skill at designing the Death Star, will always be undermined if it comes into conflict with those who put their faith in experience.

The Empire tests its growing powers by attacking Senator Organa’s ship and abducting her after they suspect she is transporting stolen data about the Empire’s secret new planet-killing weapon. This causes trouble for the Rebellion, since Leia is an important ally and is transporting the stolen data to the Rebels. This causes trouble for the Empire because it forces the Empire to go public with its plans of domination earlier than expected. It is arguable that the Empire’s intent was to locate the rebel base and use their base as the test for their new weapon and to announce to the rest of the universe that they are taking over. All troubles seem to grow from that, including the need to destroy Alderaan while attempting to blackmail information from Senator Organa, completely destroying the secrecy of their new weapon. Rather than trusting in the design and efficiency of the Death Star, the Empire determines it must have a test run on Alderaan—this clues Princess Leia, Obi Wan and subsequently the Rebellion, as to the terrifying nature of what they are facing.  This also allows the Rebellion forces to prepare for the worst which is the Empire’s undoing.  The Rebellion, on the other hand, does not fully trust their information about the Empire’s secret weapon and tests its accuracy by waiting until they actually have the plans in their hands.  Had they trusted their initial reports they could have moved the base and remained out of the Empire’s reach.

The Empire finally trusts in the accuracy of the information about the location of the Rebel base and the power of the Death Star, and now that the Rebel base is within reach….  Meanwhile, the Rebel forces must trust in the accuracy of the Death Star plans, the skills of their warriors, and of course “the Force.”

What caused the emergency pod to eject from the Councilor’s ship?  What caused R2D2 to run away?  Who caused the death of the Jawas?  What caused the fight at the Cantina?  What caused the destruction of the Jedi Knights?  What was the source of the disturbance in the Force?  Where is the source of the tractor beam that is holding them captive on the Death Star?  Where is the power source for the Imperial trash compactor? Etc.

The efforts to find and destroy the robots and all that have had contact with them; making an example out of Alderaan by obliterating it; escaping after the tractor beam is cutoff; making the escape from the Death Star appear to be legit (but the Empire is tracking them); the effects of drugs and torture on the Princess to find the location of the Rebel base; the firepower of the Death Star as a deterrent; etc.

When the Gran Mof Tarkin understands that Princess Leia has the information as to the whereabouts of the Rebel base but cannot be tortured or tricked into revealing its location, he allows her to escape so that she can be followed; studying the plans of the Death Star reveals one potential Achilles’ heel which the Rebellion uses to guide its small attack force; etc.

Tarkin gives Leia time to think over his offer, which stalls slows down Takin’s efforts for a short time.

The Empire learns how to find the location of the Rebel base—intimidation, torture, and destruction of Alderaan do not get them any closer, whereas the appearance of a lack of skilled fighters (the TIE fighter attack) gets them what they want; the training of a Jedi Knight; etc.

Additional Overall Story Information →

Rebels have stolen the plans of The Empire’s new planet killing weapon, the Death Star.  The Empire will stop at nothing to recover the stolen plans, find the rebel base, and destroy it.

An evil Empire has won control of the galaxy, tightening its tyrannical grip until a popular rebellion is born.  Leaders in this rebellion live according to the old philosophy which used to be championed by the Jedi knights.  Now the Jedi are practically extinct and the rebellion is in dire straits.  The rebellion’s brightest ray of hope as Star Wars begins is that rebel agents have just stolen the plans to the Empire’s new battle station the Death Star.  The war has had an effect on both sides already as the story begins:  both the Empire and the Rebellion are feeling tested in the sense that their recent failures make them unsure of themselves.  This war is where the Objective Story problem comes from.

Main Character Throughline

Luke — Wannabe Jedi

Luke is a whiny farm boy who has tremendous amounts of unrealized potential because his father was a Jedi Knight.

Luke is constantly concerned with how things are going—“At this rate I’ll never get off this rock!”  He is impatient, never satisfied with how things are progressing.  Once he gets off of Tatooine, he then is concerned with how long it will take for him to become a Jedi Knight—the progress of his training.  When Obi Wan gets sliced by Darth Vader, he is bummed because his lessons are over (and, he cares about Ben/Obi Wan too).  When they get to the Rebel base, he is concerned about how preparations are going and eventually the Rebels’ progress in its attack on the Death Star.

Balancing fact and fantasy is a constant issue with Luke.  According to his Uncle Owen, Luke’s father was a freighter pilot—but Obi-Wan says his father was a Jedi Knight.  Uncle Owen says the Ben Kenobi is a crazy old man and that Obi-Wan Kenobi never existed—but Ben “Ob-Wan” did exist.  Obi-Wan purports the power of the Force, while Han shoots that down as a bunch of mumbo jumbo, etc.

The counterpoint to all of Luke’s interest in fantasy is the fact of the matter about which he fantasizes.  The facts of working with the Rebellion are boring, according the C3PO; the facts of life on the road to adventure always expose the limitations of Luke’s fantasies (e.g. the surprisingly high price for hiring Han Solo, the unexpected complications of flying through hyper-space, the fact that the Force lets you fight even without your eyesight, etc.).  There are also facts which support Luke’s interest in his fantasies, such as the fact that his father was a Jedi Knight, like Obi Wan.  Understanding the variety of these facts helps Luke become more what he wants to be.  Fact is advantageous for Luke.

Balancing fact and fantasy is a constant issue with Luke.  According to his Uncle Owen, Luke’s father was a freighter pilot—but Obi Wan says his father was a Jedi Knight.  Uncle Owen says that Ben Kenobi is a crazy old man and that Obi Wan Kenobi never existed—but Ben/Obi Wan does/did exist.  Obi Wan purports the power of the Force, while Han shoots that down as a bunch of mumbo jumbo, etc.  Fact and Fantasy fall into a nearly equal comparative value for Luke.

Luke is constantly driven to test his skills—as a wannabe Jedi, as a daring doer, as a marksman, and eventually as a pilot.  By constantly testing himself, he gets into situations that he would have avoided if he had confidence (or trust) in himself.  For example, he knew better than to go alone into the Sand people’s territory; the scuffle he created at the bar could easily have been avoided; the messy breakout of the Princess was partially motivated by his testing his limits; etc.

Luke must learn to “trust the Force,” or more accurately, trust in himself and his faith in the Force.  When he trusts his skills, it generally gets him out of the scrapes that his testing gets him into.

No matter where Luke is, he thinks his problem is that it will never end.  While on Tatooine, he thinks he’ll never be freed from working on the farm and he’ll be stuck on Tatooine forever.  Once he begins his Jedi training, he thinks that the training will never end and he’ll never be a Jedi Knight; at the Rebel base, he thinks that Han will forever be a self-interested, self serving mercenary only interested in the safety of his own hide; etc.

Luke believes that the solution to his problems is to bring an end to things.  He’ll only stay on for another season at the farm; he’ll only help Obi Wan as far as the space port; he’ll only train to be Jedi until he can reach and join the Rebellion; etc.

There is a single fact about Luke that makes him most suited to achieve the goal—he is a natural Jedi Knight. His father was a Jedi Knight and it appears to be something that can be inherited—like eye color. It is his natural proclivity with the Force that keeps him safe from Darth and the Imperial TIE fighters long enough to blow up the Death Star.

Not only is it Luke’s sense of low self-worth that undermines his use of his natural skills, but other people’s evaluation of his lack of worth does so as well.  He physical appearance as a wimpy, whiny, backwater farm boy does nothing to enhance his apparent worth.  Only when his worth is properly evaluated is he able to get past it and employ his Jedi talents.

Luke looks to his present situation to determine how things are going.  Is he closer or further from leaving Tatooine?  Learning to be a Jedi?  Joining the Rebellion?  Destroying the Death Star?

Additional Main Character Information →

A whiny farm boy, athletic, somewhat attractive, who dreams of excitement and glory.  Now, if only he can get out of his familial responsibilities and join the Rebellion…

Luke Skywalker’s backstory explains why he never developed much trust and instead constantly tests himself and everything around him.  Luke is a young man who was separated from his parents as a baby and raised by his aunt and uncle.  His father was a famous Jedi knight who died mysteriously.  Luke’s aunt and uncle kept the circumstances of his father’s death a secret from Luke, hoping to raise him in a way that would protect him from a similar fate.  His boring desert-farm life on Tatooine, however, caused Luke to grow up dreaming of the exciting wars raging around the galaxy.  Luke’s foster parents vehemently discouraged this interest.  With the secrecy around Luke’s warrior inheritance and the scolding he received for his natural interests, Luke became a person afraid to trust his own inclinations.  Thus, when Star Wars begins, Luke Skywalker is a farm boy afraid to do anything without other people’s permission—even though he is quite capable of taking care of himself.

Influence Character Throughline

Obi-Wan — Jedi Master

Obi Wan lives in the world of the Force.  His attitude about the Force’s power and impact, the existence of the Light and Dark sides of the Forces, and the importance of the Force is unshakable.

In order to be truly “one with the Force,” a person must completely let go of themselves and let the Force act through them.  This allows the Force to guide unthinking responses and reflexes—to become an unbeatable power for good or evil.

Obi Wan represents an ongoing exploration of the balance between worth and value.  He appears to be old and feeble and of little worth, but his skills and abilities to invoke the Force prove to be of great value: he gets them by the Imperial Stormtroopers; saves Luke from the alien in the Cantina; turns off the tractor beam; distracts Darth Vader long enough for the rest of the group to escape; etc.

Obi Wan, the old Jedi, appears to be old and feeble and of little value, so having to deal with him leads other characters to look anywhere else, other than toward the ways of the Jedi, to find Value.  Even when people pay homage to the Force, it is just lip-service as they go about putting their real faith in the Value of their targeting computers.  People who meet Obi Wan generally don’t want to hear his message about the Worth of the Force, they’re more concerned with immediate, practical Value.  As in the example of the first x-wing to get a shot at destroying the Death Star using his targeting computer only to miss the target, Value is shown to be advantageous, but only to a limited degree.

Obi Wan represents an ongoing exploration of the balance between Worth and Value.  Although Value can take you so far (“Nothing compares to a good blaster by your side,”) we are shown through Obi Wan’s impact that Worth is what’s really needed to get the job done.  Understanding the true Worth of the Force makes considerations of Value take care of themselves, as when Obi Wan gets Luke and the droids past the Imperial Stormtroopers, turns off the tractor beam, delays Darth Vader long enough for the others to escape, and finally, as Luke uses his trust in the Force to out-do his own targeting computer.

Due to his devout faith in the Force, Obi Wan is driven by the idea that everything remains unproven—even if “common sense” might dictate otherwise.

If and when that time may come when Obi Wan can see things as proven, he would become completely satisfied.  However, it is not in THIS chapter of the Star Wars story.

Obi-Wan’s focus on Darth Vader as the cause of Luke’s father’s death makes it difficult for Luke to justify not helping Obi-Wan on his quest;  Obi-Wan’s observations as to the reasons Uncle Owen misled Luke about Luke’s father undermines Luke’s trust in his uncle; Obi-Wan’s focus on the Force as the source of all things material and immaterial makes Luke the brunt of Han’s jokes and skepticism; etc.

By training Luke to become a Jedi Knight, Obi Wan hopes to directly effect Luke’s chances to join the Rebellion and impact the Empire.

Without Obi Wan around, Luke might run off to join the Rebellion before he is ready.  Obi Wan’s obvious value to Luke as a protector and teacher holds Luke back.  But Obi-Wan’s value to the Empire makes them a target and almost gets Luke killed.

Obi Wan Kenobi (versus Ben Kenobi) is identified as some mystical wizard from times past that may or may not have ever existed.  That reputation, combined with a general unfamiliarity with “fantastical powers” of the Force, puts serious strain on Obi Wan’s credibility.

Conscious thought is an impediment to using the Force.  The less thinking (especially in Luke’s case), the closer one can become one with, and of, the Force.

More Influence Character Information →

Once a formidable Jedi Teacher, he is now old, eccentric, and reclusive.  His non-Jedi name is Ben Kenobi.

Obi Wan Kenobi’s backstory explains how he developed the impact he makes when he meets Luke Skywalker.  Obi Wan is a Jedi knight, an inter-stellar champion of the now dead republic which once governed the galaxy.  He was a very respected Jedi, exceptionally well trained in the Force, a religious source of power that Jedi knights draw from.  Obi Wan became an outlaw and an antique when a new, dark empire destroyed the republic and wiped out the Jedi. Once outlawed, Obi Wan became a hermit living in the deserts of Tatooine.  He knew that Luke Skywalker, the son of a most respected Jedi, was living there and might one day need his tutoring.  Obi Wan is afraid that appreciation for the power of the Force will only lie in the hands of the evil empire if a new Jedi is not trained.  Thus, Star Wars begins with Obi Wan hiding from the empire on Tatooine and waiting, perhaps, for Luke to call.

Relationship Story Throughline

""Training a Young Jedi""

Obi Wan clearly manipulates Luke through psychological means.  He attempts to coerce Luke to help him get to Alderaan, which Luke resists, yet does not reveal the fate of Luke’s aunt and uncle to Luke—even though he is clearly not surprised at the news; Obi Wan purposely keeps Luke in the dark about his resources while bartering with Han Solo, hushing him up when Luke can barely contain himself; Obi Wan keeps Luke under his thumb by doling out information about the Force, the Empire, the Past, everything; he’s whispering into Luke’s head at several critical moments…“Run, Luke, run!” and “Use the Force, Luke!”

Obi Wan wants Luke to be the faithful Student, while Luke wants to be a Hero.

As representatives of the old guard versus the new guard, Obi Wan and Luke’s relationship often conflicts over their natural abilities and their basic desires.  Obi Wan, though highly skilled and experienced, is getting on in years and doesn’t have the stamina and abilities he once had.  Nor are his desires as fresh as they may have once been.  Luke, on the other hand, is young and vital (though fairly green in certain areas), and his desires are hot and driving.  He definitely has the hots for Leia.

The counterpoint in the relationship between Luke and Obi Wan is desire, the motivation to change one’s situation or circumstances.  From this point of view, their relationship is a little problematic at first because Luke won’t allow himself to have what he wants.  Obi Wan speaks directly to Luke’s desires and basically starts trying to teach him how to be a galactic hero.  Since Obi Wan is a hero from a by-gone age, though, no one sees any of the desires in this relationship as very realistic.  Han and Chewie start laughing at the relationship between these two characters whenever they talk about their desire to explore the Force and help the Rebellion.  At the same time, however, this relationship wouldn’t be going anywhere without these shared desires.  Desire in this relationship is advantageous.

As representatives of the old guard versus the new guard, Obi Wan and Luke’s relationship often has conflicts over their natural abilities and their basic desires.  Obi Wan, though highly skilled and experienced, is getting on in years and doesn’t have the stamina and abilities he once had.  Nor are his desires as fresh as they may have once been.  Luke, on the other hand, is young and vital (though fairly green in certain areas), and his desires are hot and driving.  He definitely has the hots for Leia.  The relationship these two have is constantly exchanging these two currencies, until it comes down to Luke driving toward the target on the Death Star enhancing his abilities with a targeting computer.  Obi Wan’s voice comes from beyond the grave to encourage Luke to, one last time go with his heart (“trust your feelings”—desire).  The best point of view on their relationship is thus revealed as this tip leads to the destruction of the Death Star and to Luke’s becoming a hero.  In this relationship, Desire is better.

Obi Wan’s secrecy and misleading comments to Luke keeps their relationship off balance.  Obi Wan attempts to lure Luke away with him to Alderaan, then feigns indifference when Luke wimps out; Obi Wan marginally warns Luke to be careful at the Cantina without giving Luke a real idea of the dangers within; Obi Wan’s vagueness about the necessary “pains” associated with Luke’s Jedi training (like getting zapped by the trainer robot) jostles their relationship; etc.

When Obi Wan is specific about what he wants Luke to do and how to do it, there is little conflict between them.  Whining and complaining, maybe, but not much conflict.

Luke is the cause of the ruckus at the Cantina that forces Obi Wan to use his lightsaber which draws the Stormtroopers’ attention; Luke is the reason the troops are alerted on the Death Star (in response to the rescue of Leia) which threatens the escape and forces Obi Wan to confront Darth Vader directly to buy time; etc.

Obi-Wan shows Luke the effects the Force has on people and objects.  Luke is drawn to the effects of the Force, which motivates Luke to be an eager student.

The identity of Luke’s father revealed to him by Obi Wan gets Luke interested; the identity of the Jawa killers alerts Luke to check the well (or “well done”) being of his aunt and uncle; the knowledge of their death allows Luke to go with Obi Wan; etc.

Luke wants to be a hero and is an action oriented person.  Enlightenment about the Force (as delivered by Obi Wan) takes time to listen to and even more to absorb.

As Luke begins to get an idea of what it means to be a Jedi, the distance between Luke and Obi Wan narrows.

Additional Relationship Story Information →

A young man, named Luke Skywalker, has grown up on a remote desert planet completely unaware that his missing father was really a famous Jedi Knight.  Luke’s foster parents are afraid he has “too much of his father” in him and this fear has instilled a sense of self-doubt in young Luke.  Luke’s foster parents also discourage Luke from learning anything about the legendary hermit named “Ben Kenobi” who lives on their planet.  When his droid R2D2 runs off into the desert, Luke is forced to come face to face with this hermit.  This meeting unravels many mysteries about Luke’s past. Ben admits to also being known as “Obi Wan” Kenobi, the Jedi Knight sought by R2D2.  When R2D2 delivers a message from the rebel alliance begging Obi Wan to come to their aid once more, he asks Luke to join him.  He explains to Luke that Luke’s foster parents have hidden his true heritage from him by not admitting that his father was a Jedi.  Obi Wan offers to teach Luke about the ways of the Jedi, especially the ways of the Force.

Luke refuses the offer out of consideration for his foster parents.  He soon discovers, however, that the evil galactic empire is hunting his droids and have already murdered his foster parents during this search.  Although saddened by their death, Luke feels their restrictions lifted by this loss.  Suddenly free, Luke joins Obi Wan as his apprentice, training to become a Jedi.

Obi Wan begins teaching Luke to trust the Force.  He demonstrates its power and plays games to help Luke experience it on the way to Alderaan.  On Alderaan, Obi Wan intends to deliver the plans hidden inside of R2D2.  This journey is interrupted, however, when Alderaan is suddenly destroyed by the Empire and Luke and Obi Wan are captured on the Empire’s new battle station, the Death Star. Obi Wan begins instructing Luke in the value of understanding where one’s own destiny lies.  Obi Wan tells Luke that Luke cannot help him turn off the tractor beams to allow them to escape because they have different destinies.  The two of them are split apart.

Luke discovers he is in a position to rescue a captured Rebel Princess and organizes an attempt to free her.

Obi Wan turns off the tractor beam but finds himself face to face with an old enemy, the evil Jedi Darth Vader.

Luke manages to free the princess and return to the ship in order to escape, but there he finds Obi Wan and Darth Vader fighting with their light sabers.  When Obi Wan sees Luke he drops his guard and lets Darth strike him down.  Obi Wan understands this memory will affect Luke and he will be able to continue his relationship with Luke, even after death. 

Obi-Wan’s spirit encourages Luke to run so he can meet with the rebellion and launch an attack on the Death Star.  When a strategy is devised, Luke confidently joins the battle and finds himself rocketing toward the target in the Death Star trench. At this point, Luke is the Rebellion’s last hope.  He has his computer turned on to help him lock onto his target.  Suddenly Obi Wan’s voice rings in Luke’s head, encouraging him to trust the Force.  He takes a leap of faith and decides to trust the force, turning off his computer and letting his actions be guided by his trust in the Force, and therefore in himself.  This trust is well placed.  Luke’s shot hits its mark and destroys the Death Star.  Luke wins a hero’s award from the Rebellion while Obi Wan’s voice comes from beyond to remind him (and us) that, “the Force will be with you, always.”

The backstory of the relationship between Luke Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi explains how their two points of view came to be so opposed and center on the problem of Accuracy (especially in their communication with each other).  Luke’s father was a good friend and fellow Jedi to Obi Wan.  This link has made Obi Wan obliged to deliver certain teachings to Luke which he knows others will hide from him (e.g. his father’s light saber).  Luke has grown up knowing of a “hermit” named “Ben Kenobi,” but has always had the truth of his father and Obi Wan’s past kept secret from him.  Because Luke has had so much hidden from him which only Obi Wan is willing to relate, their relationship has a lot of potential.  Obi Wan is also interested in making sure Luke becomes a Jedi like his father.  This hidden agenda means revealing facts to Luke in particularly delicate ways that are intended to keep him aware of the true nature of the Force.  Obi Wan’s manipulations create the problems in their relationship when Luke just wants to know simple facts without having to grasp any deeper meaning.  When Obi Wan gets to the point of giving Luke simple, accurate instructions, (“Run, Luke, Run!” and “Trust the Force, Luke”) their relationship works fine.  But their relationship has problems at first, because of Obi Wan’s inaccurate descriptions as Star Wars begins.

Additional Story Points

Key Structural Appreciations

The Rebels are transferring important data about the Death Star and fighting back when possible;  Princess Leia is misleading the Empire as much as possible; etc.  Ultimately, the rebels fight and destroy the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star, radically reducing the Empire’s fighting power.

The Rebels that survive will be under the power of the Empire again and will have to pretend to be “proper citizens” until they grow in numbers and power.

Han is forced to hide in his ship when all of his natural instincts are to come out fighting; Chewie must wear the handcuffs even though his natural response is to fight off restraints of any kind; etc.

While trying to destroy the Death Star, the Rebel forces gain valuable, new members; while trying to locate the Rebel base, the Empire rids itself of the pesky council which gets events moving in a positive direction for them, politically speaking; Han is able to begin paying back his debt to Jabba the Hut; the Jedi Knights and belief in the Force is resurrected which bodes well for the Universe; etc.

The Gran Mof Tarkin must learn how to extract the location of the Rebel base from the Princess; the Rebels must learn how to use the data about the Death Star most effectively; Luke must learn the Jedi skills; etc.

Princess Leia has to come up with an idea as to how to get the secret plans to the Rebellion; the Gran Mof Tarkin must come up with different ways to try and get Princess Leia to reveal the location of the Rebel base; Obi Wan must give Luke the idea that he should become a Jedi Knight; etc.

At Tarkin’s demand, Darth Vader must consciously curb his use of the Force on senior members of the Death Star staff; while a captive of the Empire, Princess Leia makes a conscious effort to be as obnoxious and disrespectful as possible;  Tarkin makes a conscious effort not to lose his temper when he discovers that the information given by Princess Leia was a red herring—especially after how much he enjoyed torching her home planet; etc.

Princess Leia, a key player in the Rebellion and Council member with vitally important information, is imprisoned by the Empire on the Death Star; the present readiness of the Death Star, as shown in the Alderaan test, indicates that it can easily destroy the Rebel base once it is discovered; the present size of the Rebel forces and the seemingly impenetrable defenses of the Death Star do not bode well for the survival of the Rebellion; etc.

Plot Progression

Dynamic Act Appreciations

Overall Story

The Empire begins to understand just how much of a threat the Rebellion is after the rebels steal the plans to the Death Star.  The senators understand the Empire’s ambitions after the Senate is disbanded and Senator Organa’s diplomatic ship is attacked.  The populace of Tatooine are slow to understand how far the Empire will go to recover the stolen plans.  The hermit, Ben Kenobi, begins to understand that it is time for him to come out of retirement.  Gran Mof Tarkin, the leader of the Empire’s efforts to destroy the rebels, begins to understand that the dark lord, Darth Vader, may have his own agenda when Vader comes into conflict with one of the Empire’s officers.  The farm boy, Luke Skywalker, begins to understand that the war between the Empire and the Rebellion has come to Tatooine when his group discovers the dead Jawas.

The farm boy understands his life on Tatooine is over when he discovers his murdered aunt and uncle.  The farm boy chooses to join the crazy old wizard (former Jedi Knight), Obi-Wan Kenobi, in order to be trained to use the Force.

The old Jedi wizard and farm boy learn that that the Empire has put a bounty on them.  The smuggler, Han Solo, learns that Jabba the Hut is after him and he must get off planet as soon as possible.  The Empire leans of the small groups whereabouts and attacks them as they depart in the starship, Millenium Falcon.  The farm boy begins to learn how to use the Force.  Tarkin learns that the Death Star has become operational.  Senator Leia Organa learns the full capabilities of the Death Star when it is used against her home planet, Alderaan.  Tarkin leans that Senator Organa lied about the whereabouts of the rebel base.

The group on the Millenium Falcon learn that Alderaan has been destroyed.  They also learn that the Empire has the Death Star, which is the size of a small moon.  The Millenium Falcon is captured by a tractor beam and into the Death Star, when the group then has to figure out how to escape.

Obi-Wan leaves the group to find and disable the tractor beam.  Han Solo, Luke and company rush to save Senator (Princess) Organa from termination, and engage in a battle with the Empire’s stormtroopers.  The group escapes and is chased all over the Death Star evading capture several times.  Obi-Wan disables the tractor beam, but runs into Darth Vader, a former pupil gone bad.  Obi-Wan and Vader duel with lightsabers, and Obi-Wan appears to be killed by Vader.

The group escapes from the Death Star in the Millenium Falcon, but are pursued by stormtroopers in Tie Fighter space craft.  An “aerial” battle ensues in which the Millenium Falcon is victorious.  They head for the rebel base with the Death Star plans.  Unbeknownst to them, they also take a tracking device with them secretly placed on the Millenium Falcon by the Empire.

The rebels find a weakness in the Death Star design.  The Empire finds the rebel base and gets it within their sights.  Han Solo takes his reward for transporting the group to the rebel base.  The farm boy joins the rebels and is given his own X-wing fighter to fly in the attack against the Empire forces.  As the battle ensues, both the Empire and Rebels lose many fighters.  Ultimately, the Empire loses its greatest weapon, the Death Star, when it is destroyed.

Main Character

Luke is stuck on Tatooine because his uncle Owen does not want him to follow in the father’s footsteps.  Luke gets excited when he finds out more about his mysterious father from Ben “Obi-Wan” Kenobi.

Luke goes from being someone with a mysterious heritage, to a Jedi in Training.  Unfortunately for him, his progress is not nearly as fast as he would like it to be.

Luke is impatient with his training.  He sees how Obi-Wan can manipulate Stormtroopers’ minds and wield his light saber with expertise.  On the other hand, Luke can barely keep himself from getting killed or fend off a training droid.  Even his rescue of Leia ends with them nearly crushed with the Garbage.

Luke goes from Jedi Training and Princess Rescuing, to a future without Jedi Master Obi-Wan and poor prospects for surviving long enough to find anyone else to train him.

Though somewhat excited at finally joining the Rebellion and being a junior Jedi, Luke is concerned that there might not be much of a future left for them.  Han and Chewbacca are no longer part of the effort to save the Rebel base, so his future prospects look grave.  With Obi-Wan gone, it doesn’t look like he will ever be a full Jedi Knight like his father.

Luke puts aside his concerns about the future, even as his friends and fellow rebels are slaughtered by the Empire, to concentrate on using his Jedi powers.

Luke lets go of his personal baggage and concentrates on the hear and now in the best way he knows how.  He turns off the targeting computer, and finds himself in the moment and at one with the Force.

Influence Character

Obi-Wan asks Luke to consider joining him on his trip to Alderaan.  When Luke makes excuses, Obi-Wan accurately points out, “That’s your Uncle talking.”  He also gives Luke something to think about when he tells Luke about Luke’s father, especially when he introduces Luke to the Force.

The shift is quick and happens in the Jedi training session.  Obi-Wan gives Luke a helmet with its opaque blast shield down.  “This time, let go your conscious self and act on instinct.”

Obi-Wan wants Luke to use the Force.  Obi-Wan tries to make a point and asks Luke to do the exercise again with his eyes blinded.  “This time, let go your conscious self and act on instinct,” he says.  When Luke balks, Obi-Wan says, “Your eyes can deceive you.  Don’t trust them.”  “Stretch out with your feelings,” he tells Luke.

Obi-Wan’s training of the young Jedi, Luke, ends abruptly when he allows himself to be defeated by his former, dark pupil, Darth Vader.  Luke witnesses the “death” as Obi-Wan’s voice blasts in his mind, “Run, Luke!  Run!” which Luke does without thinking.  Later, Luke thinks he has nothing left of Obi-Wan but memories.

As the Millenium Falcon carries Luke into space, he remembers Obi-Wan and wonders what he’s going to do without his mentor.

Before boarding his X-wing to attack the Death Star, Luke laments, “I only wish Ben were here.”  Not too much later, Obi-Wan reaches out from the beyond and reminds Luke to “Use the Force, Luke,” and, “Let go, Luke.”

Inside his ship during the final attack run on the Death Star, Luke doesn’t seem to be alone.  The voice of Obi-Wan comes to him again and urges him to use the Force and let go.  The message finally connects with Luke and he switches off his targeting computer.

Relationship Story

Ben Kenobi must come out of retirement and take up the mantle of Master Jedi Knight Obi-Wan again.  As such, he recruits the son of a former Jedi Knight, Luke, encouraging him to take up his father’s mantle and join forces with Obi-Wan.  Luke resists Ben’s attempts to manipulate him into joining the crusade, but agrees to take Ben to Mos Eisley.

Obi-Wan does much to show the strengths and limitations of the Force to Luke, but often hides its powers from Luke to keep Luke out of trouble.  Luke is slow in getting the idea of what the Force is, and his ignorance gets him into trouble.  First there is the conflict at the bar in the cantina, then Obi-Wan holds Luke back as Luke reacts to Han’s cockiness. Obi-Wan uses the training droid to help Luke get a better idea of how the Force works and what what a Jedi is.

Luke slowly begins to understand what the Force is and what it can do as Obi-Wan explains it to him.  Luke sees how Obi-Wan reacts to the disturbance in the Force when Alderaan is destroyed.

Knowing that a physical death is immaterial to his continued influence on Luke, Obi-Wan knows that defeat by Darth will motivate Luke far more rapidly than the current rate.  BEN: “You can’t win, Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”  Ben sees Luke looking at him and lets Vader bring his sword down.  Luke sees Obi-Wan cut in half and cries out, but he doesn’t notice that Obi-Wan’s cloak is empty.  Obi-Wan’s disembodied voice tells Luke to run, and he does.  Luke is left to figure out how to go on without Obi-Wan.

Though their relationship began with Obi-Wan acting as mentor and protector, his absence forces Luke to take on the role of sole remaining Jedi to oppose the Dark Side of the Force.

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Star Wars: A New Hope

Inciting Event: After Artoo crash lands on the desert planet Tatooine on his “mission” for the captured Princess Leia, he and Threepio are purchased by Luke Skywalker’s uncle. Shortly thereafter, Luke stumbles upon the message Leia embedded in Artoo: “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.”

This is the turning point halfway through the First Act in several obvious ways: a new setting and the introduction of the protagonist Luke Skywalker (note that introducing your protagonist this late is rarely a good idea). It’s also the protagonist’s first brush with the conflict. Up to this point, Luke has had no conscious connection to the Empire or the Rebellion.

His rejection of the Call to Adventure comes a bit later when Obi-Wan tries to convince him to come to Alderaan and learn to be Jedi, but Luke refuses, saying, “I’ve got to get back. I’m in for it as it is.”

First Plot Point: After meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi and hearing Leia’s full message, explaining that she’s given the Death Star plans to Artoo and that she needs Obi-Wan to take them to her father on Alderaan, Luke stumbles upon a Jawa massacre and realizes Imperial Stormtroopers are tracking the droids. He races home to the farm only to discover it’s been torched and his aunt and uncle murdered. This is a firm closing of the door to the Normal World for him. As he tells Obi-Wan, “there’s nothing for me here now.” He can only react to what’s just happened and move forward into the (now very personal) conflict.

First Pinch Point: After hiring passage out of the Mos Eisley spaceport aboard Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon , Luke and Obi-Wan are chased off-planet, under fire, by Imperial Star Destroyers.

The true pinch comes in the subsequent scene when Grand Moff Tarkin and Darth Vader use the Death Star to blow up Alderaan while forcing Leia to watch. It’s a skillful demonstration of their true power and a foreshadowing of the climactic conflict.

But note how the plot’s turning point—Luke’s escape from Mos Eisley and the beginning of his journey to Alderaan—is also nicely “pinched,” thanks to the antagonistic presence of the pursuing Star Destroyers.

Midpoint: After emerging from lightspeed at the coordinates where Alderaan should have been, Luke and Co. encounter the Death Star for the first time. The Falcon is pulled in by a tractor beam, and they barely escape by hiding in Han’s smuggling compartments. Afterward, Luke discovers Leia is a prisoner aboard the Death Star. He and Han shift out of reaction and into action by deciding to go rescue her.

Second Pinch Point: After the rescue goes sadly awry, Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewie are forced to hide in a trash compactor. This proves to be a dangerous mistake, when a dianoga sewer slug tries to eat Luke and the Imperials then turn on the compactor in attempt to crush them. They barely escape, thanks to Artoo’s intervention.

Third Plot Point: Just as they make it back to the Falcon (false victory), Luke spots Obi-Wan dueling Darth Vader. Obi-Wan allows Vader to strike him down. The Falcon escapes but immediately comes under fire by TIE fighters.

The low moment here is pretty brief, but the film does a good job capitalizing on it by giving Luke a visible moment of grief: “I just can’t believe he’s gone.”

Climax: After escaping to the Rebel base on Yavin IV, Artoo’s plans are used to formulate a plan of attack against the Death Star. Luke joins the X-Wing fighters and heads out to battle.

Climactic Moment: Luke “uses the Force” and makes a perfect shot to create the chain reaction necessary to blow up the Death Star.

Resolution: Luke and Han return to Leia on Yavin IV, where they (but not Chewie!) are awarded medals.

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The Original Trilogy Star Wars

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Myth Analysis: “Star Wars” and “Tristan and Isolde” Essay

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Tristan and Isolde

Identify your chosen myth.

The film, Star wars, offered a pristine illustration that discussed concerns relating to myths. The movie exuded a strong romance theme, which conformed to a significant myth. Evidently, the growing fondness between Skywalker and Padme (Amadala) exemplified the chosen myth in a significant manner. Skywalker, a Jedi trainee, served as Amidala’s bodyguard. The two curbed attempts to assassinate Amadala (Samudrala, ND).

Discuss the components of your chosen myth

The film exuded three components of the myth thus departure, initiation, and return. As the film began, Knights freed a slave boy known as Skywalker. He departed from enslavement to a different galaxy with the Jedi knights. The Jedi knights took him along and advised him to learn their ways. Qui-Gon, a tutor in Jedi ways, introduced Skywalker to the dominant culture. Indeed, the Jedi teachings inculcated various skills in him.

Consequently, Skywalker and Kenobi became Amidala’s bodyguards. Skywalker not only served as Amidala’s bodyguard but also assumed the roles associated with a lover. However, Palpatine’s ambition to clinch power overshadowed the romance between Skywalker and Amidala. Skywalker sired two children and the films revealed his fear that his wife, Amadala will not survive childbirth. In his endeavour to save his wife, Skywalker disobeyed the Jedi teaching with a sole objective of saving his wife. Nonetheless, he failed to realize that it was Palpatine’s overall plot to consolidate power. Finally, Sky walker returned to his distant galaxy, Tatooine. A vision of his mother suffering warranted his return to Tatooine where he reunited with his family (Samudrala, ND).

Explain how your chosen artefacts illustrate the components of your chosen myth?

The artefact exemplified the components of the myth clearly. It started with the departure of Skywalker to a distant galaxy on rescue from slavery by the knights. In the Tatooine galaxy, he emerged as an exemplary student, and Jedi master, Qui-Gon encouraged him to undertake the Jedi teaching. Consequently, Sky walker undertook the teachings thus, served as Amadal’s guards. This marked his initiation to the Jedi ways. Skywalker later returned to his galaxy once he recognized his mother’s suffering thus reunited with his folks (Samudrala, ND).

Predict why these mythic patterns are (or are not) so attractive to contemporary audiences

The mythical patterns in this film attracted the contemporary audiences due to the exemplary plot. In addition, it has enhanced the growth of actors who bring out the mythical pattern inappropriately thus maintaining quality of the film. The film related to fictional legendaries thus allowed the producer to be creative since he used diverse topics, multiple patterns, which enriched the movie.

Discuss how the presence of the myth affects you and how your knowledge of the presence of the myth affects how you will view movies in the future

This movie carried a romantic myth emanating from the fondness between Amadala and Skywalker. The plot development is pristine thus, excited the viewers’ attention. Moreover, the acting by the two character playing Skywalker plus Amadala. Their acting illustrated maturity and reality. The theme makes the movie captivating to watch and captures the viewers’ interest. The movie display exemplary standards in relation to this theme. It acts as a benchmark in evaluating other films.

This story is a mythical legend about two lovers, namely, Tristan and Isolde. This story elaborated events that transpired in their relations. The story contained a, powerful romantic theme making the details pertaining to this legend circumnavigate the actions of the two lovers and their effects on their relationship.

The myth exuded two components namely departure and return. Isolde’s mother instructed her to consume the love concoction once she wedded King Mark. However, in the company of Tristan, she defied the order and they consumed it thus bonding them romantically. Regardless of these events, Isolde married mark despite not loving him. Tristan departed from Cornwall to Brittany after Mark discovered the unlawful relationship between Tristan and Brittany.

In Brittany, he stumbled on Iseult, whom she wedded since her name resembled Isolde’s despite having no romantic attachment. Tristan became ill and requested Isolde to treat him. Earlier, Tristan had requested that the return ship bear a white facade if she accepted to treat him. The return ship had a white mask. However, due to jealousy his wife reported that the mast was dark. Tristan passed on due to heartbreak. This was prior to Islode finding him. Indeed, this was to be a re-union of the two lovers, but Iseult got in the way (Ashliman, 2009).

Explain how your chosen artefacts illustrate the components of your chosen myth

The romance myth exemplified two of the components, which incorporate return and departure. Tristan departed from Cornwall on discovery of their unlawful relation that persisted even after Isolde wedded Mark. This transpired because Tristan together with Islode consumed the love portion before the latter wedded Mark. The mythical component of return emerged as the legend ends. Islode tried to reunite with her ex-lover but Iseult thwarted their attempt to reunite by deceiving Tristan that the ship has black mast. Unfortunately, Islode reached Tristan after he succumbed to heartbreak and illness (Ashliman, 2009).

One mythical pattern is evident as Tristan attempted to reunite with Isolde. Tristan married Iseult but failed to consummate their marriage since he did not develop romantic attachments with her. Tristan fell sick and asked Isolde to heal him as a way to reunite them. However, jealousy overcame Iseult who thwarted chances of meeting. The dramatic twist in events aroused the reader attention to a story whose culmination is predictable to numerous fans. The fatal twist highlighted why the mythical pattern is eye-catching to contemporary viewers (Ashliman, 2009).

In as much as the legend substantially lost credibility since it passes on to generations via narration, it demonstrated this myth effectively. Many actors acknowledged the difficulties when staging such a legend. Therefore, certain myths make the plot of story hard to act. Essentially, myths often resulted in poorly acted movies.

Ashliman, D. (2009). Tristan and Isolde . Web.

Samudrala, R. (ND). Star Wars movie series . Web.

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IvyPanda. (2021, February 24). Myth Analysis: "Star Wars" and "Tristan and Isolde". https://ivypanda.com/essays/myth-analysis-star-wars-and-tristan-and-isolde/

"Myth Analysis: "Star Wars" and "Tristan and Isolde"." IvyPanda , 24 Feb. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/myth-analysis-star-wars-and-tristan-and-isolde/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Myth Analysis: "Star Wars" and "Tristan and Isolde"'. 24 February.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Myth Analysis: "Star Wars" and "Tristan and Isolde"." February 24, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/myth-analysis-star-wars-and-tristan-and-isolde/.

1. IvyPanda . "Myth Analysis: "Star Wars" and "Tristan and Isolde"." February 24, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/myth-analysis-star-wars-and-tristan-and-isolde/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Myth Analysis: "Star Wars" and "Tristan and Isolde"." February 24, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/myth-analysis-star-wars-and-tristan-and-isolde/.

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Manny Jacinto Turns to the Dark Side in ‘The Acolyte’

The actor discusses his complex role in the latest “Star Wars” series, which just wrapped up its first season.

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By Matt Stevens

This interview includes spoilers for the first season of “The Acolyte.”

As it turns out, Manny Jacinto brought some relevant experience to “The Acolyte”: He understands how to change characters.

Jacinto is best known for “The Good Place,” the hit NBC sitcom on which he played an unspeaking Buddhist monk before being unmasked as Jason Mendoza, a lovable, Jacksonville Jaguars-obsessed dummy who is anything but mute. “I had no idea what I was stepping into,” Jacinto said in an interview. “It was my first job in the States. I didn’t even have a green card yet.”

He has since worked alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Nicole Kidman, in the television series “Nine Perfect Strangers” — a series in which he showed a more stoic side, playing a character who essentially served as Kidman’s acolyte.

He then appeared with Tom Cruise in “Top Gun: Maverick.” And this summer he added arguably the biggest franchise of all to his résumé, taking a role in the latest big-budget “Star Wars” series on Disney+. Created by Leslye Headland , “The Acolyte” wrapped up its first season on Tuesday.

As was the case in “The Good Place,” Jacinto’s character was not who he seemed.

Jacinto , who is Filipino and Canadian, starred as Qimir, a pharmacist who began the show as a kind of accomplice to a young woman named Mae (Amandla Stenberg), who is on her mission to hunt and kill Jedi. In the fifth episode of the season, he was revealed to actually be a Sith Lord known as “the Stranger,” elevating Jacinto from an afterthought apothecary to a top-line “Star Wars” villain. In Tuesday’s season finale, he fought another lightsaber battle and got the acolyte his character always wanted.

In two different interviews — one early in the season and another after the finale premiered on Tuesday — Jacinto discussed how he entered the “Star Wars” universe, his shift to the dark side and the possibility of more seasons of “The Acolyte.” Here are excerpts from the conversations.

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by George Lucas

Star wars themes, the power of one.

One of the central themes in Star Wars is the idea that one person in the right place at the right time doing the right thing can bring down an entire system. The explosion of the Death Star is a collective undertaking, but ultimately comes down to just one person— Luke Skywalker —hitting the bullseye. The film examines the ways that heroes make a difference, by stepping up and doing something hard and sacrificing for the sake of a common goal.

A guiding principle in the film is the Jedi belief in the Force, a powerful energy field that presides over all things. Both the benevolent Obi-Wan Kenobi and the evil Darth Vader believe in the force, but they use it to achieve different ends. Many people in the world of the film believe that the Force is nonsense, that it is just a made-up magical belief system, but we see that the Force is a guiding principle that does in fact have concrete effects in the world. It is both what allows Darth Vader to strangle a man without touching him and what allows Obi-Wan to throw stormtroopers off his trail. It is both an intuitive sense of one's own power as well as a concrete harnessing of the energy in the world.

One quality that all the central characters share is bravery. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo , and Princess Leia all stick their necks out and take risks when it counts the most. Luke goes from being an under-stimulated farmhand on Tatooine to being an integral—if not the most important—participant in the resistance. Han Solo might be a self-serving and sarcastic smuggler who rarely does anything on behalf of the common good, but he is a brave pilot who eventually sees the light and works for the rebellion. Princess Leia is no damsel-in-distress, but an empowered participant in her own rescue, often stepping in to help with the escape from the Death Star and serving as a prominent leader in the Rebellion.

The film is, at its core, an adventure narrative, one in which ordinary people, such as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, are brought into a high-stakes adventure and must make definitive decisions to preserve their own safety and the safety of their companions. Before he meets up with the two droids, Luke Skywalker leads an ordinary life, working on his uncle's farm and hoping to one day become a pilot. While Han Solo has a somewhat more exciting life as a pilot and a smuggler, he does not concern himself with the rebellion. Through their accidental coming together, these characters become embroiled in a suspenseful mission the likes of which they have never experienced before.

After Obi-Wan Kenobi is slain by Darth Vader, Luke is beside himself with grief, and feels completely unmoored by the loss of his mentor. He grieves the death, but slowly musters the courage to keep going, and even receives some encouragement from an ethereal disembodied voice—that of the now-deceased Obi-Wan. When Obi-Wan fights with Darth Vader before his death, he warns that if Vader strikes him down, he will only become more powerful. This proves to be true, when he continues to speak to Luke and motivate him even after death. It is this spiritual guidance that gives Luke hope and keeps him going.

Good vs. Evil

The Rebel forces are fighting the Imperial forces in what shakes out to be a rather straightforward struggle between good and evil. Darth Vader and the Imperial forces are an evil organization, favoring blunt force, power, and fascistic control over democratic ideals or humanism. The Rebel forces, on the other hand, are committed to giving the galaxy back to the people, and of toppling a political system that holds up a supreme authority above the collective. Furthermore, Obi-Wan Kenobi urges Luke to use the Force for good, warning that Darth Vader uses the Force for evil. Thus, we see that the central conflict in the film is this tension between good and evil, between right and wrong.

Luke Skywalker starts the film as a naive teenager, dreaming of bigger and better things and living in the care of his aunt and uncle on a farm on Tatooine. When he gets pulled into the plot to deliver R2-D2 to the Rebels, he begins to have to take on more responsibility and mature as a person. He goes from a post-adolescent to a full-grown adult over the course of the movie, adopting more responsibility and accepting the hero's journey that has presented itself to him.

Star Wars Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Star Wars is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What are the little droids’ names?

R2-D2 and BB-8

where did bounty hunters operate most during the galactic empire?

The bounty hunters did not operate in one single place per say but operated out of many little clusters. One of the most popular is the Hutt's homeworld and other outer rim worlds.

Does Ezra go to the dark side

Ezra was tempted by the dark side on several occassions. In the end, he chooses to remain loyal to his master.

Study Guide for Star Wars

Star Wars study guide contains a biography of George Lucas, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Star Wars
• Star Wars Summary
• Character List
• Director's Influence

Essays for Star Wars

Star Wars essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Star Wars by George Lucas.

• What Does Star Wars Have Now it Did Not Have When First Released?

Wikipedia Entries for Star Wars

• Introduction