Why is it in Star Wars: A New Hope Vader Asks Tarkin?

What is the reasoning behind Darth Vader asking Grand Moff Tarkin about a potential change in their plan for destroying the rebel base on Alderaan in Star Wars: A New Hope? This scene, often scrutinized by fans, reveals an interesting dynamic between the characters and provides insight into the context of A New Hope.

Context of the Scene

The scene takes place in the Death Star’s control room during a crucial moment of decision. The Resistance’s spy has been detected, and Darth Vader needs to extract information from her. However, her resistance to the mind probe is considerable, indicating that retrieving data from her will take time. During this tense moment, an Imperial Officer interrupts the meeting, prompting Grand Moff Tarkin to propose a more direct approach.

Grand Moff Tarkin suggests that demonstrating the full power of the Death Star by destroying Alderaan could force the prisoner to yield. This moment highlights Tarkin’s pragmatic and calculating nature, driven by a desire to strike fear and to gain information, even at the cost of an entire planet and its population.

Analysis: Doylist vs. Watsonian Perspectives

Doylist Perspective:
The Doylist or authorial perspective views the work of art as a creation with its own internal logic, rules, and events. In this context, Darth Vader’s questioning of Tarkin reflects the character's limited role and scope within the original trilogy. At the time of the film’s creation, Vader was more of a second-banana villain. His powers were defined primarily by his dark armor and his potential to galvanize the conflict, rather than as an all-powerful being with immediate omniscience.

Watsonian Perspective:
The Watsonian or reader’s perspective looks at the story from the reader’s point of view, suspended in a kind of anthropomorphic solipsism, just as a reader might see it. According to this perspective, it is unlikely that Darth Vader would simply know about Tarkin’s plan to destroy Alderaan, as Jedi are not telepathic beings who are constantly on alert. The story's intent is to portray Vader and Tarkin in a plausible and believable manner, making their individual roles and motivations clear for the audience.

Vader’s Foreseeing Abilities

Darth Vader does have the uncanny ability to foresee future possibilities, particularly those that are deeply personal. However, his foresight does not encompass a broad, prophetic vision of events that might affect his enemies. The destruction of Alderaan, while tragic, would not have a significant impact on Vader’s personal life or future. If such an event would have affected him, it is highly likely that he would have had some form of vision or foreknowledge of it.

The seemingly straightforward question Vader asks Tarkin during the scene can be seen as a strategic move, rather than a display of omniscience. It reflects the complex relationship between the two characters, where Vader’s role is more about presenting a facade of interrogative power and operational oversight, while Tarkin plays the role of the more decision-making figure. The question subtly shifts the focus from Tarkin’s immediate motive to a broader opportunity to demonstrate the Death Star’s power, a vital element of the film's plot and narrative thrust.

By revisiting this scene through both Doylist and Watsonian perspectives, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate world-building and the development of characters in Star Wars: A New Hope. The question served not only the immediate narrative needs but also the overall narrative, contributing to the thematic exploration of power, control, and the impact of technology on human lives.