Szklarski: The Dark Side

A step in Initiation, from Campbell's definition of the Hero's Journey, that I would like to use to examine the draw of the Dark Side is "women as temptress." Arguing that the women temptress can be the Dark Side illuminates the appeal and the supposed fall. The Empire Strikes back is an unusual film because the big action piece, which usually ends the third act, happens in the first act and the ending of the film has one of the main heroes frozen in carbonite. You can't finish a film with Han in carbonite. "A few nay-saying critics complained that the film left audiences hanging with its serial-like ending, in which it is unclear whether Han Solo lives or dies." (Pfeiffer 96) It's a two part story with the next film, Return of the Jedi, whereas Star Wars: A New Hope can be considered a stand alone film.

There are quite a few instances of temptations throughout Episodes five and six.

The first straight forward temptation comes directly from the mouth of the poster-child of the Dark Side. Darth Vader proposes to Luke, "join me and together we can rule the universe as father and son."

Tempting. Succumbing to the Dark Side seems to have it's benefits here (as long as one ignores the Emperors supreme control.) Luke can fulfill his yearning to know his father, gain unimaginable power, and it sounds like he could come out on top. Ultimately, Luke's knowledge of the true darkness of the Dark Side of the Force dissuades him. He clearly wants nothing to do with this notion as he makes a suicidal leap down the ventilation shaft rather than joining Darth Vader.

Another temptation comes from Leia which can be indirectly seen as coming from the Dark Side. Yoda has told Luke that he will only be a Jedi once he faces Darth Vader. Luke barely succumbs to this temptation because of his clear vision. While he does recognize that there is a piece of Darth Vader within himself, he rejects the possibility of letting that define him. Luke turns himself over to Darth Vader, basically turning himself over to the Dark Side. Physically, he is under their control. Spiritually and internally they cannot touch him. In the same way that part of Darth Vader is part of Luke, the small ounce of man left in Darth Vader can be seen as a part of Luke in him. So, Luke does not heed Leia's advice to run away.

"Your hate has made you powerful. Now fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side." This temptation form the Dark Side, directly through the Emperor, begs Luke to settle. The power from the Dark Side does not appear to have the freedom that it's power seems to promise. Luke would submissively be at the Emperor's side. Because Luke is not in this to achieve power, this problem does not sway him. He believes that he can save his father. This goal of his is what saves him from this temptation.