Hope And Self-Confidence In Star Wars: A New Hope

Often, people rely too heavily on technology or the guidance of others, such as mentors. However, Star Wars: A New Hope by George Lucas illustrates the idea that hope and self-confidence are more important. Luke Skywalker embodies this concept throughout the film. He is able to navigate through difficult situations without guidance and rely on himself to make decisions. The film's director emphasizes this idea through conflicts such as Man vs. Man and Man vs. Self. During his first trial or crossing the threshold phase, the conflict between the impulse for guidance and the need for self-autonomy is a recurring theme shown with man vs self. Luke expresses to Obi Wan his desire to go with him, but Obi Wan discerns that for Luke to grow he must go by himself to build his own judgment and strengths. Obi Wan says "[Luke says] I want to go with you. [Obi Wan says] Your destiny lies along a different path than mine. The Force will be with you... always!” (Lucas, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope 01:09:48-01:10:08). This emphasizes how Obi Wan wants Luke to go alone and this shows

Luke faces a difficult decision to either use the computer aiming system which seems unable to accurately shoot it, or rely on his instincts and shoot it without the aiming system. Obi Wan tells Luke using the force, "[Obi Wan says] Use the Force, Luke, Let go, Luke." (Lucas, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope 1:55:39-1:55:46). Obi Wan tells Luke this by the force and then Luke decides to ditch the aiming system and he is able to shoot down and destroy the Death Star. This is a Man vs Self moment where he has to choose whether to use it or not and has an internal conflict. This illustrates that self-confidence and belief in yourself can often be more effective than relying solely on technology or