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Star Words: Episode IV, Part 10
May. 23rd, 2019 01:48 pmAs a brief tangent, here's a link to an entry on my other blog. It's a general tirade against hyper-fixation on realism, but there's a mention of Star Wars toward the end. And I'd love to have some discussion about it!
So. In the path of the classic hero's journey, Luke has already received the call to adventure (Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope) and met the wise old mentor. But something must push him over the threshold. When Ben first urges him to join him, he hems and haws and cites his responsibilities to his uncle. Obi-Wan doesn't press him further. He seems to understand that the Force has its ways, that Luke cannot avoid his destiny for long.
Alas. That something which pushes him past the threshold is unbearable tragedy, the loss of home and his parental figures. However he chafed against his uncle's restrictions, he was still family. He and Beru were all the family Luke ever knew. Now, as the fight against evil has come to his very door, he cannot help but join it.
"There's nothing for me here now. I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father."
Luke's choice is not forged in a moment of eager youthful optimism. It is point of despair and grief. Is there vengeance, as well, in his motives? That drive certainly becomes more clear in the next film. But it's clear enough that the hero's path is not one of rose petals and sunshine.
Let's compare and contrast this moment with Anakin's decision to leave. He, too, is overcome with grief and indecision...but he's not forced past the threshold. His mother is still alive. He's still very young. He could stay. Instead he trusts Qui-Gon and the Jedi Order that they have a better life for him, that the sacrifice is worth it. Loss and vengeance will come later, when he is denied a happy reunion with the mother he left behind. For Luke, he's leaving nothing behind but death. As far as he can tell, there's nothing left to lose. Not to mention he was already emerging into adulthood, chafing at childhood restrictions. The call to adventure comes at a much more appropriate age than it does for Anakin. Callow and inexperienced as he is, he's ready to grow up. Anakin, on the other hand, has his childhood stolen from him. By choice? Maybe. Either way, his hero's journey is stunted and distorted from the very start.
Next, memorable moments from Mos Eisley....
So. In the path of the classic hero's journey, Luke has already received the call to adventure (Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope) and met the wise old mentor. But something must push him over the threshold. When Ben first urges him to join him, he hems and haws and cites his responsibilities to his uncle. Obi-Wan doesn't press him further. He seems to understand that the Force has its ways, that Luke cannot avoid his destiny for long.
Alas. That something which pushes him past the threshold is unbearable tragedy, the loss of home and his parental figures. However he chafed against his uncle's restrictions, he was still family. He and Beru were all the family Luke ever knew. Now, as the fight against evil has come to his very door, he cannot help but join it.
"There's nothing for me here now. I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father."
Luke's choice is not forged in a moment of eager youthful optimism. It is point of despair and grief. Is there vengeance, as well, in his motives? That drive certainly becomes more clear in the next film. But it's clear enough that the hero's path is not one of rose petals and sunshine.
Let's compare and contrast this moment with Anakin's decision to leave. He, too, is overcome with grief and indecision...but he's not forced past the threshold. His mother is still alive. He's still very young. He could stay. Instead he trusts Qui-Gon and the Jedi Order that they have a better life for him, that the sacrifice is worth it. Loss and vengeance will come later, when he is denied a happy reunion with the mother he left behind. For Luke, he's leaving nothing behind but death. As far as he can tell, there's nothing left to lose. Not to mention he was already emerging into adulthood, chafing at childhood restrictions. The call to adventure comes at a much more appropriate age than it does for Anakin. Callow and inexperienced as he is, he's ready to grow up. Anakin, on the other hand, has his childhood stolen from him. By choice? Maybe. Either way, his hero's journey is stunted and distorted from the very start.
Next, memorable moments from Mos Eisley....
