The movie presents two sides of this argument: The Dark Side. The Dark Side is said to be the bad guys in the story, while the good guys is said to be the Jedi's. But if the bad guys are so bad, what causes Anakin to be swayed into turning into one of the most famous villians in history, Darth Vader? Mostly through the use of rhetoric by the Sith Lord.
Darth Sidious, with the use of pathos, appeals to the fears of Anakin. Anakin had been having dreams of his wife, Padme (Princess Amadala), dying during childbirth. The Sith Lord knows how to convince of this:
The Sith Lord uses the Force in a way that is considered bad and takes advantage of people. Here though, Darth Sidious tells Annakin what abuses the Force can do, like save his beloved wife, therefore appealing to the emotions that deeply affect the future Darth Vader.
Darth Sidious also appeals to the Logos of Anakin. He raises the question of what is truly good? Is the Resistance what's good, or is it the Sith's? Obviously it's the Jedi's because they don't abuse the power of the Force, but it is a good question. What merits good? Is using the Force for your own advantage a good thing? But Anakin wants more. He wants to use the full advantages of his powers, and why shouldn't he? He has the power. He wants to use it for Padme. This seems logical. The power can do good, why not use it to it's full extent.
Lastly, and most heartbreakingly, Darth Sidious appeals to the Ethos. He turns Anakin, now Darth Vader, against Obi-Wan Kanobi and breaks the heart of the woman he so tried to save.
Darth Sidious uses the power of rhetoric to sway the heart of Anakin Skywalker. He uses logos, pathos, and ethos, and eventually turns "The Chosen One" to the dark side, resulting in the death of Padme who died of a broken heart during childbirth.
This is so interesting. I never once thought about it this way. Though I am not a "Star Wars" fan, I have many friends who are. The thought never even crossed my mind that even in this movie rhetoric is used. I guess it just opens my eyes to realize that probably all movies use this same tactic in their story lines, and we must be aware at the types of rhetoric being used.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a great idea. The Third movie was the saddest one I have ever seen, I legitimately CRIED when Anakin became Darth Vader. That Darth Sidious is one crafty, crafty man. Remind me to bring in my yoda stuffed animal one day! I always said, listen to Yoda, he's the brains of the operation. I always loved that there was this double personality to Anakin, this sweet and adoring Anakin and this dark and twisted Darth Vader. His darkness was embraced out of love for Padme. How does that work?
ReplyDeleteI have never read such an indepth analysis of Star Wars. It's interesting that you were able to find the uses of logos, pathos and ethos in such a mostly special effects movie. This was really cool!
ReplyDeleteI never even thought to look for rhetoric in star wars but now that you state it it is in a lot of movies. Ive never really gotten into Star Wars but I feel like Anakin turned for no reason; he didn't end up saving his wife he ended up killing her in a way. Therefore his reasoning for turning was completely useless in a way. Anyways I like that you looked for this in a movie that you seem to love. Good idea!
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