The Main Theme of Star Wars

It’s love.

Anakin’s love for Padmé is what drives him to something that he knows is wrong. Desperately wanting to save his love from death, he commits terrible acts (oh, how I cried when he killed the younglings!). The first three movies culminate in a choice, and Anakin chooses love (and becomes Darth Vader).

In the second three movies, it is Luke’s love of his father that ultimately saves Anakin. The pivotal moment comes in Episode VI (Return of the Jedi), when Luke faces his father aboard the Death Star II. Luke nearly succumbs to the dark side, but ultimately finds balance. The Emperor strikes, and Luke cries out for his father’s help. Darth Vader stands by as he watches his son being killed, and then acts—he grabs the Emperor and throws him down into the reactor core. The second three movies culminate in a decision, and Darth Vader chooses love (and becomes Anakin again).

There are more examples: Luke’s attempted rescue of Han and Leia in Episode V; Luke and company’s rescue of Han in Episode VI…but I’ve made my point.

Page last updated 2012-03-29