The Trilogy Themes
The original three movies of the Star Wars saga included Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and the Return of the Jedi. This trilogy provided old fashioned good against evil storytelling. These movies provided wholesome fun for the entire family while at the same time focusing on basic truths of life. What are the more meaningful themes that these stories teach us?
Showing Bravery
Showing bravery in the face of fear is an unknown for most of us. How we react to extreme circumstances will mostly be determined at the time of the event. Even though training helps get one ready, it still requires the test at the proper time. Yoda prepared Luke Skywalker for the battle with his enemy, Darth Vader, but Yoda would not know the outcome until the meeting took place. Luke must decide if the fear will overtake him or if he will be able to meet the challenge.
The Emptiness Of Wealth
Great wealth provides empty satisfaction. Han Solo was a character who pursued the accumulation of wealth in all his work as a hired defender. He saw no value in the fight for justice. As the movies proceed, his ideas changed and he would befriend Luke and Lea and join them in the battle against evil. Money doesn’t build character in people.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness involves friendship and love. As many of us know, our friends are not perfect. We all suffer from faults that affect our relationships. How we handle these breaks in trust is what determines the course of our friendship. Forgiveness strengthens this bond. Obi-Wan Kenobi saw his friend, Anakin Skywalker later known as Darth Vader, change into a more evil character. Throughout much of the story, Obi continued to fight for the return of his friend to the side of good. Obi’s strong forgiveness characteristic allowed him to continue with hope for his previous friendship.
Life's Goals
Decisions on career goals can impact the success one may have. Many of us are adrift for much of our lives and may not find our calling until later. The important part is finding what one excels in and continuing on that path with enthusiasm. Yoda had said, “Do or Do Not. There is no try.” Doubt in one’s goals leave life unfulfilled.
Heroes
Heroes are a necessary part of every culture because they are seen as fighters for universal causes such for one’s country, values, family, beliefs and traditions. Luke and Lea portrayed these heroes in their fight with the dark forces. They would unconditionally give themselves in the pursuit of what was right.
These ideas were the things that the Star Wars movie trilogy brought out and hopefully made us think about long after the movies were over.