Saga Theme: Fighting for the Wrong Things / Reasons

After watching the recent teaser trailer for The Last Jedi, I was once again reminded of one of the deeper, less apparent themes woven throughout the entire saga:

fighting for the wrong things or reasons

And, more importantly, how important it is to recognize (even more so now, through "refined Jedi sight") what is the right path forward, which battle(s) must be fought or abandoned, and learning from experience so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past and therefore perpetuate the fight, and all subsequent suffering, unnecessarily.

Some observations in connection with this theme:

In the Prequel era, the Jedi were drawn into a war orchestrated by Darth Sidious, and they were made to turn, philosophically and then in action, against their very ideals and core values.

Padme was one of the first who wondered if they were fighting on "the wrong side."

Qui-Gon Jinn also differed with the Jedi Council and acted in fateful ways, even with the Council's disapproval.

Yoda also recognized the Jedi had become arrogant, too sure of themselves. He sensed the "shroud of the Dark Side" falling all about them just as he recognized the Jedi's diminished abilities to use the Force.

In the Original Trilogy era, the quest against the Empire seems rather clear at a distance, but, up close, many people are indecisive, fearful, or simply not committed to any side of the conflict. Some are opportunists even.

Han Solo, who, at first, seemed headed in a wrong direction -- in pursuit of rewards rather than the Rebellion's interests in justice and freedom -- eventually turned around, in thought and action, and contributed significantly to the victory at the Battle of Yavin.

As of Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker recognized the need to stop fighting and instead trust in the Force and in the goodness of his father, even as Obi-Wan and Yoda believed Vader needed to be destroyed.

As of the Sequel Trilogy era, Finn recognizes early on in the film he was made to fight for the wrong things and chooses not to participate in the First Order's routing at Jakku.

Lor San Tekka and Han Solo appeal to Ben on separate occasions and in different ways but with the same deeper point being made: Ben was on the wrong side, and neither the Dark Side nor the First Order was Ben's natural origin.

Now, as of The Last Jedi trailer, we are left to wonder if Luke Skywalker has come upon some ancient wisdom or information to help him achieve a deeper understanding of not only the Force but the Jedi and all they came to fought for up until Order 66.

I believe this theme of questioning the battle at hand, the very ideologies one has acquired and internalized and fought for nearly if not entirely automatically all one's life, and coming to new realization is not only a natural part of Luke's journey into the Sequel Trilogy era -- it also ultimately goes to the very heart of the Star Wars saga:

What are we fighting for?

How are we choosing to "win" such battles?

Who was / is / will the enemy, and what makes that enemy an enemy?

What is to be considered victory?

How can we end the multi-generational cycles of suffering?

Where and when shall peace be found?​

I believe this theme will continue to resonate throughout the saga, and, as we further examine it, we can begin to appreciate some of the deeper dynamics at play within Star Wars and perhaps our own real world.

--- Double Post Merged, Apr 16, 2017, Original Post Date: Apr 16, 2017 ---

Some other notable examples of characters involved, in various ways, with this confrontation with the fight itself theme include:

In the Prequel era:

Boss Nass, Jar Jar Binks


In the animated Clone Wars series:

Ashoka Tano leaving the Jedi order.


In the Original Trilogy era:

Luke Skywalker himself, having to be convinced by Obi-Wan, to leave his home world, learn the ways of the Force, and rescue Leia.

Darth Vader / Anakin finally realizing which side he truly needed to be on in the end (i.e. not the Emperor's).


In the animated Rebels series:

At various times, Kanan Jarrus, Ezra Bridger, Kallus, Sabine, Darth Maul.


In Rogue One:

Jyn Erso, Galen Erso, Cassian, Bodhi Rook, Saw Gerrera.