The Western consists of themes regarding the conquest of a more powerful enemy for the good of the people. Luke Skywalker is to the Imperial Guard as John Wayne is to outlaws. The fast-paced action, expansive setting, and classic characters can be found in both Star Wars and westerns. There is a recipe for drama that creates high tension for the audience.
I believe that Star Wars has reached such a high level of popularity, because like ancient Greeks and tragos, modern people enjoy drama. The movie is a representation of simpler life issues enhanced to the extreme. Han Solo stays loyal to Luke, Chewy is Han’s confidant, C3P0 and R2D2 have a great friendship, and Obi-Wan is a mentor to Luke. People like to put themselves in the hero’s position comparing the far-fetched drama to the drama in their daily lives.
Good vs. Evil was the theme of Star Wars in the broadest sense. The good guys won, defeating the evil forces that supported oppression and greed. Luke destroys the Death Star, and the rebels defeat the Imperial Crown.
The light saber is symbolic of Jedi’s past and present. Luke gets one from Obi-Wan, who gives Luke a saber from Luke’s father’s days as a Jedi. The ancient weapon is a sign of an ascetic, devoted to the force. It is a traditional symbol in the context of the movie, but an original symbol in the context of the movie’s audience.
Han Solo is a greedy crook, but then has a moment of recognition and helps Luke destroy the battle station. Hs hamaratia does not get the best of him. Han Solo is a dynamic character.
Yes, the story is simple and timeless. Although it has so many fantastical elements, it is still based on human emotion and motivation.
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