Anakins Decision: Why Didnt He Ask Palpatine for the Apprentice’s Name?

Anakin's Decisions: The Complexity of Trust in the Jedi

Deep down, Anakin probably knew once he found out Palpatine was a Sith, he would put the pieces together. However, Anakin was so desperate and conflicted that he made the mistake of placing unwavering trust in Palpatine, thus overlooking the Sith's agenda and true nature. If Anakin had a clearer head or possessed better emotional coping mechanisms, he would have deduced that Palpatine could not be trusted.

Palpatine: Political Acumen and Aristocratic Perspective

It might seem strange that Anakin didn't ask for more information, given the political wisdom and aristocratic background of Palpatine. Sheev Palpatine, as a politician, often had to work with diverse people, cultures, and legal systems that often contradicted his own ideals. To navigate such complexities, he had to think outside traditional values to create compromise and political balance. Playing the devil's advocate was frequently part of his role.

Additionally, Palpatine came from an aristocratic background, a world of culture and social circles that Anakin, as an ex-slave and Jedi Knight, rarely experienced. This shaped Palpatine's perspective in ways that Anakin might not have fully understood or appreciated.

Why Anakin Trusted Palpatine

Anakin was part of a strict religious order that did not leave much room for outside perspectives. This is why Anakin might have valued Palpatine's insights, as they opened windows he had never seen before. Palpatine's ability to provide an outside perspective was a critical advantage, especially when dealing with the complex dynamics of the Force and the impending Sith threat.

Darth Plagueis and Sith Knowledge

The Jedi were the keepers of knowledge in the Force, including records of the powers, deeds, dealings, histories, and accounts of the Sith. When it came to Sith-related knowledge in their established relationship, Anakin would have been the more knowledgeable authority, especially concerning the Sith.

This is evident when Anakin corrects his friend about the differences between the Jedi and Sith. Even though Palpatine disagreed, he chose to silently acquiesce. It's clear that Palpatine was deliberately presenting himself as a source of outsider knowledge, rather than a scholar or historian.

Palpatine often presented the information as a Sith legend rather than a historical breakdown or experienced knowledge. He would say, “It's just a campfire story or a tall tale I heard.” The information was hearsay, a half-truth, a story, and a rumor, not a detailed historical account. It was a strategy to maintain ambiguity and manipulate Anakin's desperation.

Manipulation and Desperation

Even if Anakin had inquired, Palpatine would have shrugged and said, “Who knows?” This nonchalant response served to maintain the fog of ambiguity, feeding into Anakin's already desperate quest to find answers through any means necessary. It was a calculated move to keep Anakin in the dark, ensuring that he remained fully dependent on and trusting of Palpatine.

In conclusion, Anakin's decision not to seek more information from Palpatine was a result of both his trust in a politician and aristocrat and the manipulation techniques used by a Sith Lord with political acumen. This trust and the resulting information gap were central to the unfolding of the events leading to Anakin's ultimate transition to the dark side.