Kellogg: The Dark Side

Throughout the Star Wars trilogy, there have been multiple instances where characters have rubbed shoulders with the Dark Side. Luke in particular has had many close encounters where he has nearly succumbed to the powerful grip of the Dark Side.

At the beginning of The Empire Strikes Back, Luke almost dies due to the freezing temperatures of the ice planet, Hoth. In what appears to be Luke’s final moments, he has a vision of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi Wan instructs Luke to travel to the planet of Dagobah, so that he may train under the guidance of Jedi Master, Yoda. Luke follows up on Obi-Wan’s advice and makes a crash landing on the planet of Dagobah. It is here that Luke trains vigorously with Yoda, working hard to hone his skills of the Force. While Luke does make significant improvements, there is a moment where Luke’s brush with the Dark Side stunts his progress. Yoda puts Luke to the test by setting up a simulated fight with Darth Vader. Luke is triumphant and successfully decapitates Vader. However, when Luke pulls of Lord Vader’s mask, he sees his own face staring back at him. This scene forewarns Luke that Dark Side is powerful and is not something to be toyed with. Soon after, Luke leaves the planet of Dagobah without having fully completed his training.

Later in the film, Luke again almost falls victim to the strong hold of the Dark Side. Luke finds himself battling Darth Vader face to face while on Cloud City. According to Pfeiffer, “The film climaxes with a thrilling light saber duel between Luke and Vader, in which the latter reveals that they are father and son” (Pfeiffer 108). Lord Vader reveals this information moments after cutting off Luke’s hand, which restricts him from using the Force. Powerless with his back against the wall, it seems as though Luke has no choice but to give in to the temptation of the Dark Side. However, Luke gathers his thoughts and throws himself down a shaft, demonstrating his loyalty to the rebellion and freedom from his father.

In the third and final film, The Return of The Jedi, Darth Vader has an internal struggle regarding his belief and participation in the Dark Side. Luke surrenders himself to Darth Vader to preserve the safety of Leia and the others. Once aboard the Death Star space station, Luke tries to persuade his father to return to the good side of the Force, insisting that it is not too late. While Vader seems unmoved by Luke’s claims, he eventually realizes that he has been a slave to both Emperor Palpatine and the entire Dark Side. His loyalty to the Emporer has caused him to lose every bit of his human individuality. Darth Vader saves his son by throwing the Emperor over a guard railing to his death. In his final moments, the newly reborn Anakin Skywalker tells Luke that he was right, and that there was still good left in him.