The student news publication of Libertyville High School

Drops of Ink

The student news publication of Libertyville High School

Drops of Ink

The student news publication of Libertyville High School

Drops of Ink

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The Theories Awaken

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Photo from YouTube/ CC
The new Star Wars movie has instigated a global conversation revolving possible theories.

DISCLAIMER: SPOILERS LURK AHEAD

In response to the worldwide phenomena known as the new Star Wars movie, Hogwarts alumni, jedi, and district-tributes alike, have banded together to extrapolate and brainstorm(trooper) possible theories.

Among these are questions concerning Rey’s lineage, Snoke’s identity, and of course, the cataclysmic event that will forever scar fans: the death of Han Solo at the hands of his own son, Ben Solo (a.k.a the angsty Kylo Ren).

Starting off with the cast’s newest addition, Rey (Skywalker?) has left an indelible mark on the Star Wars universe, single-handedly beating Kylo Ren, assisting in the Resistance’s utter demolishment of Starkiller Base, and finding the aged Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker. However, the question still remains over Rey’s family. Rey demonstrates a strong connection to the mysterious agent that, interwoven through the galaxy, binds every living being together, both good and bad. Such affinity for the force in a young girl with unidentified parents cannot be a coincidence.

Left alone on Jakku as a child, forever awaiting for her family, Rey would have recurrent dreams of an island in the middle of the ocean. This seems irrelevant until the end of the movie, when Rey finds Luke in that same location. Furthermore, Luke’s lightsaber calls to her in Maz’s temple, causing her to experience visions including the lost Jedi Master. The closing scene depicts Rey returning Luke’s old lightsaber — perhaps a symbolic exchange from daughter to father.  If that doesn’t convince you, keep in mind that when Kylo Ren learns of a girl accompanying the defector (Finn) and BB-8, he lashes out with the force as if he knew the identity of the girl.

However, others have come to different conclusions. Vox Culture published an article theorizing that Rey was actually a Solo. Rey’s instant connection to Han, along with her immediate taking to the Millennium Falcon, has raised possible theories insinuating a direct familial link in between Han and Rey. More information on this theory can be found in Vox Culture’s article.

On the flip side, there are those who would prefer the new characters to break off from the the traditional family trees. Mr. Craig Schmidt, Sci-Fi teacher at LHS and Star Wars fanatic, is among these voices.

“She could be Luke’s daughter, but I just really hope not. I would rather it be that the character who is killed in the first scene of the Force Awakens, who’s like the old friend of the jedi, I’d like to think that he was sort of looking over Rey in the same way that Obi Wan was looking over Luke on Tatooine,” he said. “I’d like them to expand the families and allow for the other people who live in this universe.”

Another point of debate has been directed towards Star Wars’ new villain: Supreme Leader Snoke. The movie only portrays Snoke through a hologram, amplifying the villain’s mutilated facial features (he literally appears as a giant), and carrying the resounding etches of his voice throughout the whole galaxy. But what is Snoke, and better question, who is he? Immediately, fans started building the links between Snoke and Darth Plagueis, the Dark Lord of the Sith responsible for training Chancellor Palpatine. According to Wookiepedia (yes, it’s a thing), Darth Plagueis survived an assassination attempt that permanently disfigured his face. Besides, both appear to resemble the same species, and this explanation would explain how Snoke is well-versed in the ways of the dark side. The only problem with this idea is that Darth Plagueis was reportedly killed by his own apprentice; however, Darth Plagueis was known for his ability to manipulate life, so the theory is once again resurrected, but it still could be too much of a stretch.

Now, for the moment of tears. Han’s death will forever live in the hearts of fans, but that is not important right now. The substance behind the act of his killing and what the scene says is far more consequential. There are several theories, one particular one that you can hit up on Buzzfeed, but I’ll condense the majority of them into three camps. The first way to go: Kylo Ren actually killed his dad because he’s just a really bad son and loves the dark side. Second way to go: Kylo Ren was conflicted and killed his dad (not the greatest excuse to kill one’s dad), but he will be redeemed and join the Resistance takedown of the First Order. Third way to go (this is the theory on Buzzfeed): Kylo only killed his dad to solidify his standing with Snoke and truly become a Sith, only to then join Rey as her dark side counterpart to bring back balance to the force.

Again, there are voices of dissent within the Star Wars fan base that would prefer to see a different path taken than that of the older franchise’s movies.

“There’s the chance that like Vader he will be redeemed. Star Wars seems to be about redemption, even though it’s kinda weird — you can kill  hundreds or thousand or even millions of people, and then as long as you ask forgiveness at the end, you’re fine,” commented Mr. Schmidt. “I hope he doesn’t go that route. I would rather he stay bad, otherwise it’s repeating what’s already been done.”

While there are countless more questions to be asked, questions concerning Maz or Kylo’s departure from the light, or Luke’s unforeseeable decision to drop out of the grid, one thing remains absolute: something has awakened. A new spirit of awesomeness has revitalized an energetic and infinite fanbase, one that will stick with Star Wars till the very end, although to fans, there will never truly be an end to the galaxy far, far away.

“For me, the fact that Star Wars is awesome again is a dream come true. I’m just looking forward for everything that is to come,” stated Mr. Schmidt.

 

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The student news publication of Libertyville High School
The Theories Awaken