Star Words: Episode VI, Part 3
Dec. 10th, 2020 12:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
matrilAnother parallel with the start of Episode VI -- Artoo is carrying a message that he can only play for the intended recipient. This gets them past the guards and gatekeepers of the palace and into Jabba's throne room, where the droid finally presents the message. But in contrast to Leia's message in the first film, which reveals a number of important details, Luke's message only hints at what might be going on. Poor Threepio was completely in the dark about its contents.
As mentioned last time, I've previously explored the intricacies of Luke's plans in another post. What I want to look at here, specifically, is the tone of Luke's message.
"With your wisdom, I'm sure that we can work out an arrangement which will be mutually beneficial, and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontations."
That's certainly a mouthful. The entirety of Luke's speech is similarly characterized with grandiose, carefully chosen terms. In short, these are the words of a diplomat -- another similarity to Leia's message from the first film.
Addressing the detestable Jabba as "Exalted One;" validating his anger and praising his wisdom; expressing a desire to avoid conflict. This is, perhaps, not the thrilling display of Jedi powers we might hope to see Luke display. Don't worry. That will come soon enough, after Jabba shows no interest in a diplomatic solution. But this is and should be the first recourse of a true Jedi Knight. Luke might be stretching the truth a tad about his Jedi status, but in many regards he's playing the part with perfect accuracy. This is what the defenders of the old Republic did. They kept the peace. They sought non-violent compromises. They treated everyone with dignity and respect, even nasty crime lords who didn't deserve it. How else could you justify entering into "aggressive negotiations" unless you've first made every attempt at peaceful ones first?
Luke knows full well that Jabba isn't likely to negotiate. He knows eventually he'll need to have other, lightsaber-related solutions at hand. But he doesn't start with that. And it shows just how far he has come since his rash and reckless days. Through Luke we see glimmers of the long-dormant Jedi order. And as this film's title promises, they will return.
Next, an enigmatic player enters the stage...
As mentioned last time, I've previously explored the intricacies of Luke's plans in another post. What I want to look at here, specifically, is the tone of Luke's message.
"With your wisdom, I'm sure that we can work out an arrangement which will be mutually beneficial, and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontations."
That's certainly a mouthful. The entirety of Luke's speech is similarly characterized with grandiose, carefully chosen terms. In short, these are the words of a diplomat -- another similarity to Leia's message from the first film.
Addressing the detestable Jabba as "Exalted One;" validating his anger and praising his wisdom; expressing a desire to avoid conflict. This is, perhaps, not the thrilling display of Jedi powers we might hope to see Luke display. Don't worry. That will come soon enough, after Jabba shows no interest in a diplomatic solution. But this is and should be the first recourse of a true Jedi Knight. Luke might be stretching the truth a tad about his Jedi status, but in many regards he's playing the part with perfect accuracy. This is what the defenders of the old Republic did. They kept the peace. They sought non-violent compromises. They treated everyone with dignity and respect, even nasty crime lords who didn't deserve it. How else could you justify entering into "aggressive negotiations" unless you've first made every attempt at peaceful ones first?
Luke knows full well that Jabba isn't likely to negotiate. He knows eventually he'll need to have other, lightsaber-related solutions at hand. But he doesn't start with that. And it shows just how far he has come since his rash and reckless days. Through Luke we see glimmers of the long-dormant Jedi order. And as this film's title promises, they will return.
Next, an enigmatic player enters the stage...
