Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and some would say, “Love is in the air.” Of course, there are others that would go out of their way to avoid such romanticized cliché and literally dodge Cupid’s Arrow all together. On the other hand, is it really possible to prevent Love from happening? To deny someone, even thyself, the right to experience natural emotions such as, desire, attraction, and affection would be considered inhumane and could possibly lead to a cataclysmal mental state. Or maybe I’m just a bit overdramatic and rhapsodized than most. After all, I didn’t obtain the nicknames “Angel B” or “Aphrodite” of the old Hyperspace Blogs for my lack of romantic flair. I guess it would be fair to say, I’m in love with the idea of (being in) Love.
“Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden for a Jedi?” –Padme
“Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi’s life. So you might say that we are encouraged to love.” –Anakin
Am I the only one who finds this dialogue between our two star-crossed lovers so fascinating, yet ingenious? You’re probably asking yourself, why in Nine Corellian Hells would she think that? Think about it, Coffee with Kenobi style; through a critical lens or standpoint. Anakin is literally trying not only to convince Padme, but himself, in an argumentative rationalization of the dogmatic Jedi Code that he can indeed, be in Love.
According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia the definition of Unconditional love is known as affection without any limitations. It can be also love without conditions. This term is sometimes associated with other terms such as true altruism, complete love, or “mother’s/father’s love.”
So yes, Anakin had true validity in his explanation of ventilation according to this definition. Makes me wonder, just how long had he been waiting and wanting to recite this justification to the woman he adored from afar for nearly over a decade.
“Are you an angel?”-Anakin
“What?”-Padme
“An angel, I’ve heard the deep space pilots talk about them. They’re the most beautiful creatures in the universe. They live on the moon of Iego, I think.”-Anakin
Make fun of the romantics and dialogue all you want, but I’ve always loved the interaction in this scene between the young lovers to be. Seriously, even Mr. Smoothie himself, Lando Calrissian couldn’t top that one. Still, once Anakin set his sights on something, even at the tender age of nine or ten, he usually got what he wanted. Just lucky I guess.
“In my experience, there is no such thing as luck.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
Ok, so maybe that’s based solely on one’s point of view. Either way, his persistence definitely paid off; in some ways more than others.
“I swear to you… I didn’t ask to be put on the council.” –Anakin
“But it’s what you wanted.” –Obi-Wan Kenobi
Eventually, Anakin’s incessant pursuit of Padme’s affections triumphed over her typical unwavering rationale and ultimately, and she gave in to love.
“I truly… deeply… love you and before we die I want you to know.” –Padme
As a politician most of her life, she had no time for frivolity such as courtship and romance. Padme had a serious outlook on life and took it upon herself at a young age to dedicate her time to help those in need…to bring hope to those who had none. Although, looking closely at her upbringing, it’s amazing that she didn’t pursue the homemaker route like her mother or her sister Sola. Padme was indeed well-loved by her entire family and greatly supported in her career choice as well.
However, as seen in this deleted scene from AOTC, it is apparent that her sister and her mother know Padme a little better than she knows herself or her heart. Again proving my point, love isn’t something you can avoid. Perhaps Anakin said it best when he stated, “Believe me, I wish I could just wish away my feelings, but I can’t.”
Oh, you can say that Anakin was more obsessed than enamored by Padme, but I’d have to disagree, at least to some extent. Padme was so much more than just some trophy girlfriend, yes siree, her intellect and natural ability or desire to nurture all beings set her apart from not only her colleagues, but most of the galaxy as well. Oddly enough, her own daughter said it best and simply put, too…”She was very beautiful, kind, but sad.” Or perhaps, this deleted scene will help justify my personal assumption.
My point is Anakin never misinterpreted his feelings for Padme, so much so, knowing exactly what he was getting into. Anakin knew (in my opinion) how difficult any relationship with her was going to be, but he just had to have her as his own, no matter the cost. To put it simply, Anakin didn’t have on Rosy Goggles when he was with her, he was 100% smitten. In fact, curiously enough, the same cannot be said where Padme is concerned.
“So love has blinded you?” –Padme
It’s ironic, she questioned his love, his judgment on their marriage, but it was she who was blinded by love. All the signs were there, yet she refused to see, clouded by circumstance and in love with the idea of being in love.
“…..but love is blind, and lovers cannot see what petty follies they, themselves commit.” –William Shakespeare
Remember…
this IS the Podcast you’re looking for!
Follow me on Twitter @urangelb
Powered by Sidelines
