Star Words: Episode VI, Part 32
Jul. 1st, 2021 09:25 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Even after Vader acknowledges that he will have to kill his son if he refuses to turn to the Dark Side, Luke continues to sense conflict in Vader, and pleads with him to let go of his hate. Vader's brief response contains volumes.
"It is too late for me, son."

There's a lifetime of regret in those words. Too late. If Vader were unequivocally glorying in the Dark Side, he would think of it that way. And there was a time, once, that wasn't too late. It wasn't inevitable. In my view, even an acknowledgement that he wishes it were otherwise is enough cause for hope. A desire to change, though change seems permanently out of reach. That desire is a spark. A spark can start a bonfire.
Vader calls Luke son. Not in commanding tones, to call for his fealty or submission. It's quiet and sad. It means so much. The very fact that Vader addresses Luke this way sheds doubt on the words he just spoke. Too late...or the beginning of hope?
Next time, one more line from this scene and then we'll move on, I promise....
"It is too late for me, son."

There's a lifetime of regret in those words. Too late. If Vader were unequivocally glorying in the Dark Side, he would think of it that way. And there was a time, once, that wasn't too late. It wasn't inevitable. In my view, even an acknowledgement that he wishes it were otherwise is enough cause for hope. A desire to change, though change seems permanently out of reach. That desire is a spark. A spark can start a bonfire.
Vader calls Luke son. Not in commanding tones, to call for his fealty or submission. It's quiet and sad. It means so much. The very fact that Vader addresses Luke this way sheds doubt on the words he just spoke. Too late...or the beginning of hope?
Next time, one more line from this scene and then we'll move on, I promise....