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Post #1343486

Author
Ocrop27
Parent topic
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Redux Ideas thread
Link to post in topic
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/1343486/action/topic#1343486
Date created
10-May-2020, 11:57 AM

I think we both agree that a true Jedi must acknowledge the dark side that exists in them, and they shouldn’t let the dark side control them. But in my opinion, we never really get a moment where Rey acknowledges her dark side.

What I’m suggesting is that Rey can have a moment in the film where she does what is referred to in Jungian psychology as “shadow work”. Sure, shadow work in real life isn’t about shooting lightning from your fingertips, but Star Wars is all about the metaphor. But it’s like you said, one must confront and understand their own dark side, but Rey never does that.

Arguably, Rey start her path to integrate her shadow when she saves Ben. After that she repressed her darkness an try to exile herself on Ahch-To, when Luke reminded that “facing fear is the destiny of a jedi” and that’s her inner fear, the “origin” of her darkness, Palpatine. She faces him and he plays the “you have no choice but to join me” game. When Ben, Rey’s shadow, arrive giving her a fighting chance against her biggest fear. The Dyad, in my perception, is the “prime jedi”, as Rey and Ben struggled with light and dark, not to find a “Grey side”, but to recognize the darkness within and overcome it, two that are one.

Rey Skywalker is the culmination of this, even if the movie does not do a good job in selling it. Maybe Ben doesn’t appear cause he, as her shadow, lives - integrate - with her now (that’s the only way I can justify his death).

That said, I agree with your perception on the force all the way. Very good analysis.