Home » Film & TV » Star Wars » Of Innocence and Experience

Of Innocence and Experience

© Paul F. McDonald

With only one Star Wars film to be completed, fans almost know the entirety of Anakin Skywalker's own hero's journey. Episode Three is admittedly one of the most important pieces of the puzzle, but by now everyone knows enough to realize that his story follows many elements of classical myth quite closely.

As with many mythic heroes, his birth is foretold in prophecy. From an early age, he diplays magical talents and abilities, astounding his contemporaries. As he grows up, he performs all kinds of heroic feats, feats which move to even further his legend. He eventually makes a grand sacrifice at the end of his life, one which ensures his people will triumph against the dark forces which oppose them.

Yet audiences also know that Anakin is Darth Vader, one of the most feared Sith lords in the galaxy. It is a rare thing when the brightest of heroes becomes the darkest of villians, even in myth. His fall to the dark side comes in Episode Three, and while audiences begin to witness some disturbing elements that make up his character in the newest episode, it seems by the end of it he is still a good-hearted Jedi filled with potential.

Attack of the Clones opens with Anakin Skywalker a brash Padawan carrying with him all the trademarks of adolescent angst. Since he began his training at the Jedi Temple very late, it is easy to tell he is something of a wild card for the Order. He will not hesitate to question authority, regardless of whether or not it is an appropriate time. He yearns to progress in his training as fast as anyone will allow. He helplessly swoons over Padme Amidala, a childhood crush he has yet to get over. He is very much the Jedi version of James Dean, drag-racing airspeeders all over Coruscant, and even occasionally jumping out of them miles up, prompting his master Obi-Wan to scowl like an exasperated father and mutter, "I hate it when he does that."

Easily the most complicated character in the film, his good traits stack up right beside his bad ones. Anakin is enormously talented and obviously already has begun to master the Force, though this is making him a bit too sure of himself for the Jedi Council's tastes. He is brave to the point of being reckless. He is loyal to those he loves almost to a fault, his emotions causing him to get sidetracked from his duty. And like his son Luke when he is told he can't go to Toshi's station to pick up some power converters, he can whine with the best of the Skywalkers.

The copyright of the article Of Innocence and Experience in Star Wars is owned by Paul F. McDonald. Permission to republish Of Innocence and Experience in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.