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Star Wars Book Seeks To Reveal The Hidden Meaning Behind The Saga

By Jinger Jarrett
Published on: 23:42 PST, May 31, 2016

A new book written by Cass R. Sunstein seeks to reveal the themes behind the Star Wars saga. Released on May 31, it explores all of the themes of the saga. For those who are fans, it will add further to the Star Wars canon, while for new readers, it will help them to understand the ultimate tale of good versus evil.

Time said that the new book, called The World According to Star Wars, is a departure from Sunstein’s previous work. Sunstein is considered to be one of America’s foremost legal scholars, and he previously worked in the Obama White House. His other works include Nudge, written with author Richard H. Taylor, which explores how behavioral economics can help people make better decisions. It became a New York Times bestseller.

As previously reported in The Inquisitr, a new book was released that added to the Star Wars canon. Bloodlines takes place six years after The Return of the Jedi and tells what happened after from the point of view of Princess Leia.

In Bloodlines, Leia is now a senator, and the Republic is once again falling apart. It delves into the relationship between Leia and Han Solo. Leia is also considering leaving her political position to join Solo aboard the Millennium Falcon as a member of his crew. With a new enemy emerging, Leia becomes the logical choice for First Senator. Will she leave her political position to follow her heart?

The World According to Star Wars, on the other hand, seeks to uncover the hidden meanings within the Star Wars saga. Although Star Wars is a tale of good versus evil, it also explores moral ambiguities like Luke’s decision to help blow up the Death Star and kill thousands of soldiers and crew members.

Epic Stream reported that The World According to Star Wars sought to analyze and break down the real life lessons from the movies. Sunstein is not only a foremost legal scholar, he’s also a Harvard professor. Sunstein explores in great depth the parallels between the Star Wars saga and American politics.

Emperor Palpatine’s rise to power is the result of the endless squabbling of politicians. Sunstein said the main focus of the movies deals with the human condition and freedom of choice in light of a clouded future. The lesson for those who don’t have the Force is that they always have freedom of choice, and they can always be redeemed.

The Chicago Tribune reported that the Star Wars Saga is about feminism, Jesus, and Jefferson. When Star Wars appeared 39 years ago, many critics didn’t think that the movie would do well. Instead, it became the defining saga of the times. With its rich multiple layers, it can be interpreted in many different ways, including through the lens of Christianity. Anakin Skywalker is the Christ-like figure born of a virgin birth. He is the Jesus figure who sacrifices himself in the process of resisting Satan.

Other themes include the Oedipus Jedi, where it’s a story about fathers, sons, and unavailable mothers. Anakin is desperate for a father figure. His father figures include Qui-Gin, Obi Wan, and the Emperor. He kills the first and third and tries to kill the second.

Although the original Star Wars saga is intensely male – because the Force makes those who embrace it stronger – it’s also a feminist tale. Princess Leia is the leader of the rebellion, and she’s a terrific fighter. In The Force Awakens, the new hero of the story is Rey, a young woman with ambiguous origins and to whom the lightsaber of Anakin and Luke Skywalker calls, leaving fans to wonder what her relationship is to the original characters.

Regardless of which theme fans choose, Stars Wars often provides contradictory themes that reveal some fundamental truths about human nature. For those who are just looking for excitement and adventure, it offers that as well.

[Photo Via Studio]

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