Even though it doesn't address anything in my previous post, Anakin was indeed a slave all of his life. He constantly fought to be something more. Vader's spirit was never "broken." It just changed its shape, while having the same goal in mind, with amplified determination to get to that goal. When you imagine his life's timeline, you see the dogged determination again and again, and it's very inspiring. That's why I don't get people saying Vader was "broken" or a "weakling." He was a solid symbol of enduring strength. Whether good or evil, that part remained the same.