Themes in The Force Awakens (2015) are highlighted through motifs and symbols. Provide examples from the film and explain how they relate to the theme of the film overall.

Answer 1

1. Light and Darkness: Throughout The Force Awakens, the themes of light and darkness are prominently featured through the characters of Rey and Kylo Ren. Rey, a scavenger living on the desert planet of Jakku, represents the light side of the Force with her inherent goodness and desire to help others. On the other hand, Kylo Ren, a member of the dark side known as the First Order, symbolizes darkness with his anger, power-hungry nature, and allegiance to the dark side. The constant struggle between light and darkness is central to the theme of balance and redemption in the film.

2. The Resistance and The First Order: The conflict between the Resistance and the First Order is a major theme in The Force Awakens. The Resistance represents hope, freedom, and the fight against tyranny, while the First Order embodies control, oppression, and the desire for power. The symbols of the Republic and the Starkiller Base also serve as representations of these contrasting ideologies. The film explores the themes of resistance and rebellion against oppressive forces, as well as the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

3. Legacy and Identity: Throughout the film, themes of legacy and identity are explored through characters such as Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren. Rey grapples with her identity and her mysterious past, searching for answers about her parents and her place in the galaxy. Finn struggles with his upbringing as a stormtrooper in the First Order and his decision to defect and join the Resistance. Kylo Ren is torn between his legacy as the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa and his desire to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Darth Vader. These themes of legacy and identity underscore the importance of understanding one's past in order to shape one's future.

Overall, The Force Awakens uses motifs and symbols to explore themes of light and darkness, resistance and oppression, and legacy and identity, creating a narrative that is both complex and engaging for audiences.