Death Star: Final Thoughts

Death Star by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry

I try not to run away with more intent then was probably placed in a story but when the main plot point is an explosion of everything the story was about, and you know it is coming before even starting, all that is left is reading into the meaning. I’m going into my final thoughts with only vague feelings. I only have a few things to say. Nova being force sensitive is interesting when paired with his interest in philosophy. This pairs thinking and intuition. These are almost polar opposites but in this case the pair together saves him, figuratively of course. His interest in philosophy allows him to have ideals but his intuition allowed him to act. This is also in contrast to Tenn Graneet. He believed it when he was told the ultimate weapon wouldn’t be used, as if a weapon has ever failed to be used. Weapons are always used at least once before the impact of what the weapon can do is realized. This happened with nuclear weapons, there was fear there, mass fear, for years but only after they were used. Graneet didn’t think passed what he was told and he suffered for it. In the end there was no redemption for him. Teela and Vil are another contrast but in this case it brings harmony. Teela was all about structure, which is a requirement for her being an architect, and Vil needed fluidity in order to adapt to situations as a pilot. Both are needed in society.

Rodo, we don’t know much about him other than Memah saying he values beauty and his ability to keep those around him safe. Did he love her, in what way, did he not? I don’t think it matters. What is important about him is he saw the world and he acted when needed without false pretenses. He showed loyalty without expectation and through this he found contentment. Motti, Dalla, Tarkin, who cares. I will say I was disappointed in Tarkin’s last thoughts. I found his only real admirable trait is keeping things in perspective. He aimed big sure but never dismissed possibility and what he saw before him. Yet at the end he lost that all-encompassing perspective. As for Memah and Ratua, I should probably say something about stability, I’m just not sure what.

The Death Star itself can be seen as one big metaphor but for what? In this case I feel there is one good answer and that is the Death Star is society. There was a big emphasis on many types of people within this story. All walks of life and social standing was present along with types of relationships. It isn’t a stretch to say that society is the way to view the Death Star. What is important though is what the meaning of its destruction is. The Death Star is a society that did not meet the needs of the individuals in that society and could not sustain itself do to this.

Death Star Intros Part 2

Death Star by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry

Spoilers: You have been Warned

Chapter(s): 5,6, and 7

Dr. Kornell Divini is another example of things to remember when dealing with the military, the possibility of a draft. Last time I brought up how Rebels had to kill all those on the Death Star in order to take down the Empire. Knowing that a doctor, a man meant to help people, that doesn't want to be there in the first place, is on the space station does not sit well. Nether does his being from Tatooine, same as our hero. Let's take a look at the effects of the Empire. The doctors are to give extra care to Wookiees because of their working ability but others are expendable. He is noticing the wills around him but he isn't fully like them yet, he is still the new boy. He has the sense to wonder why wookiees are working for the Empire. It doesn't take long for him to realize they are like him, not there by choice.

Darth Vader is the only person so far we should have any expectations of. I don't really think mine where met. That doesn't have to be a bad thing though. This is what I didn't like, the fact he still feels he "reverts...to what Obi Wan Kenobi...has made of him (52)." I don't feel that is something he would have thought, that he was still what he once was. I'll see where it goes though. Other than this feeling of disapproval of the 4 pages of Vader's first appearance, I feel one thing was really worth commenting on that adds to what we know of him and ties into some of the earliest comments made about him. "Fear was good- in others (50)." This to me screams that he has not forgotten what put him by the side of the Empire, his own fear. This is a great flash back to "Episode 1"'s first meeting of Anakin and Yoda. I like this allusion because it is not overly blatant like I have seen some references be.

Sergeant Nova Stihl intrigues me. He is into philosophy and quotes a philosopher who says, "I know myself to be only as I appear to myself (45)." Nova heavily implies he thinks of himself as a good man but a simple one. The problem with good men is they rationalize how they are good men. He is a good man, he really is and I'm not taking that away from him, but he clearly tones down the wrong that is clearly around him. He feels sympathy for political prisoners, at the same time though he is a bit harsh about the world around him. Part of him knows that lack of free speech is wrong but he expects you to know your society and where you stand in it. In his would you act in the interest of your government for the good of all. He has one major flaw, he knows he is a good person, this is the government he works for, and he has no reason to question the goodness of that government.

 Reaves, Michael, and Steve Perry. Star Wars: Death Star. New York: Lucas/Del Rey/Ballantine, 2007. Print.