Film Analysis: The Hero's Journey

George Lucas continues Luke’s journey, heavily inspired by The Hero’s Journey theory of Joseph Campbell, in this second film. The most prominent of the step of The Hero’s Journey in this case is most likely the “Ordeal.” The “Ordeal” in many stories is the moment where the hero must confront his biggest fear or challenge and is one of the most central and essential stage of any Journey. () The film heavily influences this step with Luke’s scene in the cave on Dagobah and Darth Vader’s big reveal in the end of the film. The first instance of this step is when Luke goes into the cave and seemingly confronts Vader to reveal that the face in the mask is actually him. Not only does it foreshadow Luke’s connection with Vader, but it also catapults

He is constantly struggling with his own hatred for Darth Vader through most of The Empire Strikes Back and is eager to take on his revenge. Yoda, however, warns him that fear and hatred lead to downfall into the Dark Side. Hate is truly Luke’s downfall and even then, it begins to control him. () Jedis throughout the saga find it extremely crucial to remember the motivations of their actions. To do something good for the wrong reason, like killing something evil for the sake of revenge, is greatly looked down upon. Audiences see this in the final battle of the film where Luke tries to inflict his revenge on the one who seemingly killed his father. He is the one to make the first strike, not Vader, and he lets anger control his motivation instead of the Jedi virtues of peace and justice. The moment the audience recalls that, they should begin to reflect how love and hate influences their own lives. Their strong emotions can greatly control their actions and, especially at a time where many in the nation act on instinct, they have to be careful of that. To act off of pure emotion can lead someone to one’s complete downfall, much like what almost happens to Luke Skywalker when he lets hate take