Women in Star Wars: How Strength Defined the Female Role. Imperial Publishing

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1 Women in Star Wars: How Strength Defined the Female Role Imperial Publishing

2 2 Women in Star Wars: How Strength Defined the Female Role By Molly Mokler Brooke Wilson Rachel Klopp Sarah Landen Presented to Spori Publications Rodney Keller June 18, 2014 Rexburg, Idaho

3 3 June 18, 2014 Spori Publications BYU-Idaho 106 RIG Rexburg ID Dear Spori Publications: We are submitting our report entitled: Women in Star Wars: How Strength Defined the Female Role. This report highlights the three main women featured in the Star Wars saga: Shmi Skywalker, Padme Amidala, and Leia Organa. Examining these women using the direct sources of the films, critical commentaries, and analytical examination, we explore the ways in which these women and their respective strengths and weaknesses defined and drove the popular series. We believe this examination ultimately points out the overall strength evident in each of these women. There were some complications involved in obtaining this research. We had some difficulty finding scholarly information regarding Star Wars. The internet is full of opinion and voice on these matters, but discerning between the credible and incredible was occasionally difficult. We persevered and feel confident in our sources. In addition, the editor in chief (myself) was called away unexpectedly, and we had to adjust several of our strategies for researching and revising. The staff at Imperial Publishing was invaluable in the process of researching and writing especially as we were met with some unexpected difficulties. We hope this report meets your demands. Sincerely, Molly Mokler Editor in Chief

4 4 Abstract Star Wars has defined not only the generation that received it in 1977, but every generation after it. Not only have new movies seeped into the American culture, their stamp exists on almost every aspect of American life. It is a classic, and as such, it holds valuable information about our society and the perceptions therein. Women play a few number of roles, but they are extremely significant to the outcome and process of each of the films. This report examines the relationships and roles of each of the main female characters of the Star Wars saga. It is chronological in nature, starting with the earliest female in the franchise timeline, Shmi Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker s mother: a small but pivotal role, as we will discuss. Then Queen Padme Amidala is examined, followed by her daughter Princess Leia Organa. Each of these characters offers something highly important to the series that dramatically affects the series.

5 5 Table of Contents Introduction.. 1 Shmi Skywalker... 2 Queen Padme Amidala...3 Princess Leia Organa...5 Conclusion... 8 Works Cited...9

6 Imperial Publishing 1 Women in Star Wars: How Strength Defined the Female Role There rages a debate about the role of women in cinema. Too often, they are seen as too strong, too weak, inaccurate, or unnecessary. Star Wars, the film saga started by George Lucas, is ingrained in the American culture. It s a staple of being an American. It appears on T shirts, on blogs, in sit coms, it has its own novel series and countless video games. For the purposes of this paper, only the six cinematic features, the trilogies Episodes IV-VI, and Episodes I-III will be examined (hereafter, Star Wars will not appear before episode specification unless necessary for clarification). The Star Wars portrayal of women holds a certain weight that other less-known or less-franchised films do not. In fact, one could go so far as to say that women are the driving force behind the success of the popular Star Wars saga. The strongest character, male or female, of all the movies is arguably Princess Leia, even though she is the only leading female in three of the six movies. Emily Asher-Perrin says, While [Leia s] position in the Star Wars films as practically the only woman is infuriating, George Lucas still created a universe where Leia s gender was never a reason to question her authority. Even though Leia is the only female character central to the plot, she is still a character whom others look up to in Star Wars. An example of this is shown in Episode V during the Battle of Hoth: Notice that when Leia s instructing the pilots on their escape plan, not one of the rebels in the group want to know why they are being given their orders by a woman (who, as far we know, is not a pilot like them). She s an effective general to them, and is afforded every respect (Asher-Perrin). It seems apparent that George Lucas recognized the power and strength women could hold, and how influential it could be to have a strong leading woman central to the characters and plot of the story. This isn t restricted to Leia, however. Other women, such as Shmi Skywalker and Queen Padme Amidala also demonstrate strength and bravery, and it is their presence, along with Leia s, that ultimately guides the events of Star Wars.

7 Imperial Publishing 2 Shmi Skywalker Josh Allen, a professor of English at Brigham Young University Idaho, teaches a class on the Hero s Journey, and frequently references Star Wars as a cinematic hero s journey. According to him, Star Wars shows the extent to where men need mothers and lovers, and they fall apart when they are deprived of those two things (Allen). A prime example of this is shown through the character of Anakin Skywalker. His descent to the dark side where he ultimately becomes Darth Vader, perhaps the greatest villain in cinematic history, all starts with his mother. Although she has little screen-time in the Star Wars films, Shmi Skywalker plays a pivotal role in the events that take place: the mother has been a constant presence in the genre and, after 'love interest', is the most represented female role (Conrad 81). Shmi is arguably the catalyst that sets in motion every event. She starts by giving birth to the pivotal character: Anakin Skywalker. As his mother, Shmi is a representation of two strong biblical women, the Virgin Mary and Hannah, the mother of Samuel. When asked who Anakin s father is, Shmi replies, There was no father (Episode I). This is a nod to an immaculate conception, and in this way Anakin is immediately likened to a Christ-like figure. Qui Gon Jin, Jedi master of Anakin s future tutor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, believes that Anakin is the one who will eventually bring peace to the Force, and that he will act as a savior to the people in the galaxy (Episode I). Pamela Bettis states that, Anakin Skywalker is almost Christ-like in his appearance and talents (22). An immaculate conception, prophetic teachings, and a Christ-like disposition all contribute to Anakin s character and promise, a comparison that does not last, but points out something pivotal about Shmi Shmi Skywalker gives Anakin, her only son, to the Jedi for the greater good, the religion of Star Wars. This echoes the Biblical story of Hannah, mother of Samuel, who also gives her child to her god. This act of selflessness, however, did not have the desired impact on Anakin:

8 Imperial Publishing 3 he needed women, especially his mother, in his life. As Professor Allen explained, Star Wars questions a monastic lifestyle. Jedi are like monks, removed from worldly situations with no human connections. Lucas shows how this type of life is no life at all, and that men truly do need mothers and lovers to survive, and to live a human life. Anakin is, despite the prophecy associated with him and the suggestion of his birth from a virgin, an everyman kind of character. In other words, Anakin is human, and in his story wickedness appears as the misshapen desires he comes to develop (McDowell 51). When Anakin s basic human need of feminine love is removed from him, as he is taken away from Shmi, Anakin becomes vulnerable mentally. Later, in Episode II when Shmi Skywalker dies, Anakin is destroyed emotionally: his world and rock has fallen apart, and Anakin turns toward hate. This hate ultimately leads him down the path to become Darth Vader. Through this Lucas shows that when men are forced apart from females, they ultimately become villains (Allen). Queen Padme Amidala Queen Padme Amidala is another strong female role in Star Wars, specifically to Anakin. Arguably, her death is the final stamp on his transformation to the dark side. Padme begins as an incredibly strong character, who leads Episode I in ferocity and skill that demands respect: Amidala is a committed fighter in the struggle against powerful, evil forces, a strong leader and brilliant prodigy as skilled with politics and diplomacy as with a gun (Cavelos 309). In later episodes, as she falls in love with Anakin, however, and loses herself in this relationship, her character is weakened. As the queen she is a powerful woman who fights for the freedom of her people, but as she loses her own goals in favor of Anakin s, she falls to painful weakness. Episode I demonstrates a figure who seems ready to take the helm of feminine strength and ability, but Episodes II and III quickly show a different side to the character. She abandons her

9 Imperial Publishing 4 determination to protect her planet and the republic to secretly get married to Anakin, a marriage that literally kills her in the end (Episode II). Cavelos notes, we never see Amidala s devotion to this cause.what we see is not commitment, but cowardice (310). Although Padme s character begins as a heroine, she slowly shifts into a weak and objectified role. A woman who as queen is often clad in royal and dramatic robes quickly becomes costumed in more revealing attire. For example, during the arena scene of Episode II, half her shirt is unnecessarily ripped off, demonstrating her athletic, although unnecessary, bare stomach for the rest of the scene. Despite all of this, however, even as a weak romantic partner to Anakin, she is still a symbol of strength and comfort in his life. When he dreams about his mother dying in Episode II Anakin asks her to stay with him because her presence is soothing to him. Once again the female role is acting as a guide in his life, and is keeping him together. Padme fills the role that Anakin lost through his mother s death. Unfortunately, obsessed with fear that the past will repeat itself, Anakin s anxiety drives him to dark places. Dean Conrad states, Anakin was fearful of losing his wife and unborn child, and this fear led him to feel anger towards those he believed were threatening their lives, the Jedi. Eventually, this anger became hatred... And then came the suffering. Padme loses her life, Anakin is severely injured and nearly killed, and his fellow Jedi are nearly exterminated. (80) Padme s role in Anakin s life is so profound that it leads him to become Darth Vader. Padme is willing to compromise everything. She begs Anakin after she s seen what he s become, Come away with me. Help me raise our child. Leave everything else behind while we still can! (Episode III). In a desperate attempt to hold onto who she has based her foundation on, she verbally throws away everything that has previously mattered to her for Anakin, and it is this

10 Imperial Publishing 5 dependency on him that ultimately kills her. Not all is lost, however, as Padme gives birth to twins, Luke and Leia, before she dies of a broken heart (Episode III). Princess Leia Organa The character of Leia has some similarities with her mother Padme, like the physical objectification seen when she wears the gold bikini in Episode VI, but at the same time she demonstrates some significant differences: Padme is no Leia (Smith 143). People hoped that Padme would match her daughter s feminine strength from the original trilogy, but she didn t even come close. Leia is brave, intelligent, and she doesn t give up when things go wrong in her life. She is first introduced in Episode IV: A New Hope as a captive asking for help via a transmission. However despite her circumstances she remains a strong character. She is brought in for questioning about Rebel plans, tortured for information, forced to watch her home planet of Alderaan be destroyed, and yet she still remains strong. Asher-Perrin says this of Leia: Forced to be a sexual object for a crime lord? Choke him to death and get outta dodge. Find out your stealth party was spotted on by the enemy? Hunt them down with their own vehicles. Meet a strange new species that doesn t speak your language? Share food and make friends. As we re shown time and time again, there is nothing that this woman cannot do. She makes Luke and Han look practically incompetent if you re actually keeping a scoreboard Luke only has one or two solid goals that he feels obligated to follow up on, and Han spends half his time in the trilogy jamming to The Clash s Should I Stay or Should I Go. You need Leia to keep it all together. The men of Star Wars seem to need to thank Leia for their lives over and over in the series. Leia is the one who saves Han from his carbonite freezing, by disguising herself. On Endor in Episode

11 Imperial Publishing 6 VI, she is shot in the arm, and while Han panics, she remains calm and bravely gets them out of their tough situation (Asher-Perrin). She is always saving others and taking the initiative to attack her enemies. While physically saving Han s life, Leia represents a chain of realization that helps Luke ultimately overcome his own setbacks. Through Leia, Luke has moved from celebrating heroism, to deconstructing the very notion of heroism (McDowell 64). Although McDowell argues that it is purely Yoda who causes this change in Luke, a bigger impact is arguably made by Leia, who like the women in the prequels, is the ultimate catalyst for Luke s transformation throughout the movies. Through Leia, Luke learns that heroes don t need to save the princess. After the death of his family, Luke focuses his energy on rescuing Leia. However, other than unlocking a door, it is Leia who takes initiative and helps them escape (Episode IV). Luke quickly realizes that Leia is not a fairy tale princess in need of saving; she is quite capable on her own. When Luke dreams of Leia s trouble in Episode V, he loses focus on his training because once again he feels like he needs to be the hero figure for her. In the end, however, it is Luke who needs saving by Leia, who senses his distress through the Force. In Episode VI, Luke has finally deconstruct[ed] the very notion of heroism, because he finally lets go of seeing Leia as a helpless figure in need of rescue. Princess Leia shifts from that of a virginal queen and an object of erotic desire to an image of a woman who is just as capable and as strong as he is, perhaps she is even stronger (Wink 79). This allows him to not only sacrifice himself for the good of others, but it also allows him to see Leia for her unseen potential. He tells her, If I don t make it back, you re the only hope for the Alliance. Even with all of the confidence Leia has, she still protests: You have a power I don t understand and could never have. Before, Luke may have agreed with her, but because he has let go of his initial idea of heroism and has stopped seeing Leia as a damsel in distress, he replies, You re wrong Leia. You have that power too

12 Imperial Publishing 7 (Episode VI). This pivotal shift in his view of Leia allows him to confidently give himself up to the Empire to do what needs to be done without rushing back at the first sign of Leia s trouble. Although Princess Leia does have moments of vulnerability, her overall attitude during situations of distress proves that she is more self-dependent rather than dependent on men (Miller 51). As stated earlier, Luke only opened a door in rescuing her in Episode IV. In the gold bikini scene, often noted for its blatant sexualization, she uses the very instrument of her objectification, the chains, to kill Jabba the Hutt. She rescues Han. She rescues Luke. She leads and inspires the entire Alliance force on her own on many occasions. Dean Conrad adds to this: Star Wars pushed Science Fiction cinema towards family viewing at a time when feminist debates were filtering through to male filmmakers. As a result, Princess Leia, despite being drawn from fairy tale traditions, is also a feisty, no-nonsense, gun-toting heroine kick-starting what might be considered a golden era for women in Science Fiction film afford[ing] women the opportunity to carry much of the narrative and to challenge men in a manner that was rare just two decades earlier. (90) This is the pivotal difference between Leia and Padme. Padme begins as a strong character, with morals and strong political values and an ambition that drove her. In the end, however, her sole ambition was her relationship with Anakin. Her daughter Leia is not that way. She puts duty before her personal life in many cases. She falls in love with Han, but does not admit to it until she is sure he holds the same values as her. Throughout the entire trilogy she is firm and clear about what her goals are, and she is willing to make tough decisions to reach that goal. Her influence is positive, making her a role model not only for the men surrounding her, but for the audience she has influenced throughout the years. Conclusion

13 Imperial Publishing 8 Without Shmi, Anakin would have never begun his path down to the dark side. Without Padme, not only would the transformation be incomplete, but there would be no Leia and no Luke. Without Leia, Luke could never have been successful in his quest. The Alliance could never have defeated the Empire. There would be little story to tell because without her the Alliance would have crumbled and been blown apart by the Death Star. Although few, the women of Star Wars play a role the men simply cannot. Despite these strides and strengths, Hollywood and Lucasfilm still have opportunities to grow. Especially with the announcement of Episode VII, there is much potential for future females of strength and influence. Several women have been cast, and Leia s character will also be reprised, giving a hopeful glimpse that maybe this time the saga will see not only a new strong woman, but possibly new strong women.

14 Imperial Publishing 9 Works Cited Allen, Josh. Personal interview. June 2014 Asher-Perrin, Emily. "Can We Talk About Why We Really Love Princess Leia?" Tor.com. Macmillan, 10 Aug Web. June Bettis, Pamela, and Brandon Sternod. "Anakin Skywalker, Star Wars and the Trouble with Boys." Tymos 3.1 (2009): ProQuest. Web. June Cavelos, Jeanne. "Women in Star Wars Are Portrayed as Fundamentally Weak." Star Wars on Trial: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Debate the Most Popular Science Fiction Films of All Time. Ed. Matthew Stover. Dallas: BenBella, Print. Conrad, Dean. ""Femmes Futures": One Hundred Years of Female Representation in Sf Cinema." Science Fiction Film and Television 4.1 (2011): ProQuest. Web. June Miller, Shane. "The Woven Gender: Made for a Woman, but Stronger for a Man." The Southern Communication Journal 62.3 (1997): ProQuest. Web. June McDowell, John C. ""Wars Not Make One Great": Redeeming the Star Wars Mythos from Demptive Violence Without Amusing Ourselves to Death." Journal of Religion and Popular Culture 22.1 (2010): ProQuest. Web. June Smith, Jason C. "Culture, Identities, and Technology in the Star Wars Films: Essays on the Two Trilogies." Science Fiction Film and Television 2.1 (2009): ProQuest. Web. June Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Dir. George Lucas. Lucasfilm, Film. Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. Dir. George Lucas. Lucasfilm, Film. Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. Dir. George Lucas. Lucasfilm, Film. Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. Dir. George Lucas. Lucasfilm, Film.

15 Imperial Publishing 10 Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. Dir. Irvin Kershner. Lucasfilm, Film. Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. Dir. Richard Marquand. Lucasfilm, Film. Wink, Paul. "Addressing End-of-life Issues: Spirituality and Inner Life." Generations 23.1 (1999): ProQuest. Web. June 2014.