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Star Words: Episode IV, Part 16
Jul. 4th, 2019 04:35 pmIt seems quite fitting that on the day that Americans celebrate their independence from tyrannical rule, we'll be looking at a confrontation between a freedom fighter and her tyrant captors. Okay, it's purely a coincidence, but anyway.
After Vader's conventional methods have failed to extract information from Princess Leia, Tarkin decides on a different, truly diabolical tactic. In his presence Leia remains defiant and unshaken, even snapping out a marvelous insult about Tarkin's "foul stench" and Vader being on a leash. Tarkin continues to boast about the power of fear and such, but Leia has a ready reply.
"The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers."
This is such a perfect image of the inevitable futility of power-mongering. Seeking for ultimate dominance and control is sheer folly. And it is Tarkin's determination to wipe out the Rebellion and his refusal to flee the Death Star, even when the danger becomes clear, that leads to his demise. Eventually it is the entire Empire's overreaching grasp that leads to its downfall. The more you try to crush an oppressed people, the more you strengthen their resolve to fight and resist that oppression.
Tarkin does deliver a heavy blow in this scene. His promise that Alderaan will be spared if Leia betrays the Rebellion is a flagrant lie, and she is forced to watch as the Death Star obliterates her home. However, Leia is just as devious in her own way, offering Dantooine as a false lead. Even in her anguish she continues to protect the Rebellion's secrets. And the power begins to slip from Tarkin's grasp.
I've often wondered how often Tarkin and Leia have encountered each other before, perhaps in the halls of the Senate. I suspect that they've had this battle of wills going on for some time. And in the end, it is Leia's cause that triumphs.
Next, the effects of Alderaan's destruction ripple throughout the Force....
After Vader's conventional methods have failed to extract information from Princess Leia, Tarkin decides on a different, truly diabolical tactic. In his presence Leia remains defiant and unshaken, even snapping out a marvelous insult about Tarkin's "foul stench" and Vader being on a leash. Tarkin continues to boast about the power of fear and such, but Leia has a ready reply.
"The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers."
This is such a perfect image of the inevitable futility of power-mongering. Seeking for ultimate dominance and control is sheer folly. And it is Tarkin's determination to wipe out the Rebellion and his refusal to flee the Death Star, even when the danger becomes clear, that leads to his demise. Eventually it is the entire Empire's overreaching grasp that leads to its downfall. The more you try to crush an oppressed people, the more you strengthen their resolve to fight and resist that oppression.
Tarkin does deliver a heavy blow in this scene. His promise that Alderaan will be spared if Leia betrays the Rebellion is a flagrant lie, and she is forced to watch as the Death Star obliterates her home. However, Leia is just as devious in her own way, offering Dantooine as a false lead. Even in her anguish she continues to protect the Rebellion's secrets. And the power begins to slip from Tarkin's grasp.
I've often wondered how often Tarkin and Leia have encountered each other before, perhaps in the halls of the Senate. I suspect that they've had this battle of wills going on for some time. And in the end, it is Leia's cause that triumphs.
Next, the effects of Alderaan's destruction ripple throughout the Force....
