Star Words: Part XXIV

The Gungan-Naboo alliance is the key to victory over the Federation, the symbiotic relationship that will save them all. But it is by no means a sure thing when Jar Jar leads Queen Amidala and her entourage to the hidden "sacred place" in the swamps. Boss Nass is hardly likely to look favorably upon a group of humans brought to him by a disgraced exile -- the second instance of Jar Jar doing so in this film! And this time, as Qui-Gon has already clarified, they are not permitted to use Jedi mind tricks to persuade the Gungan leaders. (I assume it was acceptable before because Qui-Gon only "persuaded" Boss Nass to let them go in peace, whereas this request will result in putting the entire Gungan army in the direct line of fire. Makes you wonder exactly where the Jedi consider the ethical lines lie in the use of mind tricks -- and whether it's really ever ethical to compel someone in such a way. But that's a discussion for another time.)

So the "queen" approaches Boss Nass, respectful but regal, and introduces the notion of an alliance. He is ready to reject it outright. He blames the Naboo for the invasion; he dismisses any possibility of their worth as allies. "Amidala" gamely persists, but by this point Padmé has realized that it won't be enough. She steps forward and reveals her true identity. As audience members, we're more likely to be in Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's position, smirking knowingly at what was already obvious, but the childlike, innocent characters represented by Anakin and Jar Jar are stunned. This is a powerful gesture in many ways. Padmé is exposing her weakness, casting off the disguise that protects her, admitting in her need for a decoy that she is not invulnerable or untouchable. In a symbolic sense, she is uniting the two halves of her personhood. Queen and handmaiden, mighty monarch and compassionate servant, strong and soft together. Only this embrace of both sides will bring victory.

A few posts previous, I already explored how her line "Our fate is in your hands" echoes her earlier words to Palpatine, as well as indicating the symbiotic, entwined nature of the Gungan and Naboo peoples. And her entire speech is full of eloquent, impassioned lines. But now I want to take a look at what she says immediately before her final sentence.

"We are your humble servants."

This is a big deal, to put it mildly. When Boss Nass criticized the Naboo previously, he expressed contempt of their arrogance, of their presumption of superiority over the Gungans. For the queen to lower herself -- to literally kneel before the bosses -- is to offer a direct contradiction to that presumption. We are not better than you; perhaps we are not even equals. Without you, we are nothing.

And the specific wording is even more important. Remember when Qui-Gon first encounters Jar Jar and saves his life? Jar Jar immediately declares, "Meesa your humble servant." The exact same phrase. For all we know, it might be the ritualistic words required of a Gungan entering into a life-debt. Just consider that. The queen is essentially expressing that, as the Gungans present the only hope of Naboo survival, she is preemptively considering herself and her people in the service of a life debt. Maybe she discussed such cultural concepts with Jar Jar and/or researched them during her early service as queen, knowing that meeting the Gungans on their own terms is far more diplomatic, compassionate and effective. But whether the wording is deliberate or only a happy coincidence, it is clearly the right thing to say -- and kneeling is clearly the right thing to do. Boss Nass is not only moved, he is amused, pleased, delighted. The proud Naboo are bowing at his feet. Everything has turned upside-down. He laughs, he proclaims a new friendship between races, and he offers the army that will finally give them a chance against the Federation's oppression.

Next, more ominous words from a Sith Lord...