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Love and War - Page 4
© Paul F. McDonald
Page 4
Jul 16, 2002
Anakin tells her not to be afraid to die, and Padme replies that she's been dying a little bit each day since he came back into her life. Finally setting her political ideals aside, she tells him that she truly and deeply loves him, and that she wants him to know that before they die. The dialogue perfectly illustrates what's happening to them, as do the visuals. This close association of love and death is not by accident. Mythologically speaking, the willingness to love, to arrive at the place where two becomes one, requires nothing less than a death and resurrection. The scene in the arena therefore becomes an initiation for Anakin and Padme as they move to embrace the ordeal that is being in love. The blissful kiss they share comes to an end when they are separated and tied to poles where they are to be ripped to pieces by wild beasts. The symbolism should be obvious from a psychological point of view. One of Carl Jung's proteges, Joseph L. Henderson, wrote an essay called "Ancient Myths and Modern Man." In it, he spoke of many patients who had dreams that combined the "motif of sacrifice" with the "motif of the sacred marriage." Along these lines, Campbell likewise noted that before he was married, he felt as if he were about to be crucified. There is always a point at which young lovers must play the role of sacrificial victims - not only willingly, but joyfully. Anakin and Padme pledging themselves to each other before they are to be essentially dismembered and crucified is perhaps the finest representation the mythic rites of the "love-death" have had in centuries, a glorious affirmation of the agony of both life and love. * "Star Crossed" will be published on July 30, as the Month of Love continues.
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In response to message posted by TPF1138:
Oh yes. I don't mean to downplay the significance of the whole teen angst thing. I think th ...
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In response to message posted by desertblue:
The whole love-death thing was too good to pass up. I would find it very hard to believe ...
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In response to message posted by obiwanjm:
Well, as one huge fan to another, I also like to go beyond what's happening on the screen. ...
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In response to message posted by TPF1138:
Well, I didn't know Kevin Smith was set to pen some issues of Spiderman, but I'll most defi ...
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