Collipso, I wanted to talk about the point you raised concerning the “quick, and easy path” in comparison to how the sequel trilogy handled such a topic when it came to light and dark sides of the force.
It really does present a big thematic issue for the ST, which is that Kylo Ren seems to be taking the most grueling and challenging path possible to where he gets. On the contrary it seems Rey has some pretty smooth riding. And this definitely is an issue for me. It doesn’t seem that Rey struggles much with the Dark Side unlike Luke in the OT.
But I did want to point out something I really did like about what Johnson did with the force in episode 8 and it’s how he redefined it to be more about opposing philosophizes between the light and dark rather than just a power that tempts you. Kylo simply wants to rule the galaxy as he sees fit just like Vader in ESB, and Rey feels that is not the right way to use her powers. This feels like a more realistic depiction of what the actual light and dark side would be.
Love your interpretation! Pretty smart when you think about it. I like it. The only issue I have with it is that it’s contradictory - after all, we’ve had 40 years of lore.
I guess I can just assume it’s a combination of the two 😉
One part of it is a power that tempts you and another is that it is kinda also a philoshphy on how you use your power and they go hand in hand. So there’s that. And I guess Yoda is referring to the quick and easy path as in a way to get victory should not be by taking morally questionable shortcuts and wronging people and doing evil just to get where you want to be.
But I still have an issue with Rey’s character. At least Ridley pumps charisma into the role and makes her a likable character.