Luke Skywalker's Disappointment in the Jedi Order: A Critical Analysis

Throughout the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker's portrayal as a Jedi is complex, often conflicting with his despise for the very Order he represents. By the end of The Rise of Skywalker, his feelings towards the Jedi are deeply rooted in disappointment, disbelief, and even a sense of betrayal. This essay explores the reasons behind this shift in perspective and discusses the significant factors that contributed to Luke's disillusionment.

Why Luke Skywalker Despises the Jedi Order by the End of The Rise of Skywalker

1. Sheer Stupidity and Emotional Overreach

One of the most cited reasons for Luke's dissatisfaction with the Jedi Order is the belief that, despite their intelligence and power, they demonstrated a lack of foresight and wisdom. His famous remark, 'Sheer stupidity,' reflects his frustration with the Jedi's ability to rationalize their actions and the outcome of their choices. Luke feels that the Jedi, led by figures such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, ignored the warnings and warnings of beings like the?? ??????, which ultimately led to the rise of Darth Sidious and the subsequent fall of the Jedi. Moreover, their decision to raise Darth Vader, who would go on to become the leaders of the Empire, is seen as a critical failure.

2. Failure to Prevent the Rise of the Empire

Another significant factor that contributes to Luke's disapproval of the Jedi is their perceived inability to prevent the rise of the Empire. The Jedi Order, despite their many victories and achievements, were not able to stop the growth of the Separatists, the forces that became the Empire. Despite their alliance with the Republic, the Jedi failed to protect the galaxy from the looming threat of the Sith and the Empire, which eventually led to the destruction of the Jedi Order itself.

3. Failure to Prevent Kylo Ren's Fall to the Dark Side

Luke feels deeply responsible for his nephew, Kylo Ren's (then Kylo Ren), descent into the dark side. As a Jedi Master, he believes he failed in his duties as a teacher and mentor, and that the methods used to train Jedi, particularly the platitudes of 'making a Jedi of him,' were inherently flawed. Luke's disappointment in this area is particularly evident in his self-reflection on his actions and failures as a mentor, which he sees as a direct cause of Kylo Ren's eventual embrace of the dark side.

4. The Jedi's Reliance on the Force and Lack of Balance

Luke's disillusionment with the Jedi also stems from their reliance on the Force, which he believes has led to a lack of balance in the galaxy. The Jedi's obsession with power and their lack of focus on compassion and empathy have contributed to a number of moral failures and weaknesses. For example, the Jedi's adherence to dogmatic principles often came at the expense of emotional intelligence and ethical considerations, leading to pivotal mistakes and missed opportunities. Additionally, the Jedi's focus on the Force has sometimes blinded them to the importance of connection and understanding.

5. The Extinction of the Jedi Order

A final contributing factor to Luke's disillusionment is the near-extinction of the Jedi Order as a result of the actions of the Empire and the rise of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. The fall of the Jedi Order, culminating in the events of Order 66, leaves a lasting impact on Luke, who witnesses the systematic extermination of the Jedi by their former allies. His disappointment in this aspect of the Jedi Order is evident in his decision to deliberately rewrite the fate of the last Jedi, rather than allow them to die as planned.

Conclusion

While Luke Skywalker's feelings towards the Jedi Order are not one-dimensional, his overall perspective is deeply rooted in disappointment. His belief that the Jedi were overly simplistic, emotionally distant, and lacked the necessary balance to protect the galaxy against the dark forces they themselves empowered is reflective of a broader narrative in the Star Wars saga. This disillusionment, while it contributes to his complex character, ultimately drives him towards a path of redemption and the creation of a new, more balanced order.