George Lucas’s original Star Wars is enjoyed by generations. Its timelessness is related to its strong connections to the monomyth and archetypes that are engrained into it.
Colors carry significance across several cultures. Clearly Darth Vader’s black armor contrasts Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia’s white clothing as evil contrasts good. Similarly, a red lightsaber reflects more negative emotions such as rage, while a blue hued sword reflects peace. A deeper look into the Stormtrooper armor offers a more complex analysis. The outward white presents the appearance of good, but in inner parts of the armor revealed moving knees, elbows, and the eye holes reveal the inner evil of the Empire.
The original Star Wars strongly resembles Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. Before Luke receives his call to adventure from the damsel in distress, he looks out longingly towards the horizon. The horizon often represents the future, and adventure. In the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Jack Sparrow chases the horizon, actively searching for his next adventure.
There are also characters who fit the trope. Obi-Wan is the mentor. He is comparable to Dumbledore in Harry Potter, or Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. In Empire Strikes back, Leia and Han Solo are solidified as the star crossed lovers, and the conflict between fathers and sons is viewed through Luke and Vader.
All stories are share elements with other stories. It is interesting to ponder what role each individual plays in each story that they are a part of.
College Analyst 