Why Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Refer to Darth Maul as He

In Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi refer to Darth Maul by his pronoun #34;he.#34; This choice is significant as it contributes to the thematic elements of the film and reinforces the struggle between good and evil. This article delves into how and why Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan refer to Darth Maul as he, and what this tells us about the characters and the film's broader themes.

The Language of the Force

The use of gendered pronouns in this context also reflects a broader theme in the Star Wars saga: the Force and the struggle between good and evil. By referring to Darth Maul in a traditional manner, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are adhering to a clear gendered framework that is deeply entrenched in their understanding of the universe. This adherence to a traditional gendering system contrasts with the dark side of the Force, which often rejects binary gender constructs.

Maul's Appearance and Fighting Style

Maul’s appearance on the scene is initially chaotic and disorienting. He appears as a blur of robes and lightsaber, which is a clever cinematic device to heighten the drama and emphasize his formidable nature. Maul’s costume tattoos and fighting style are designed to disorient and intimidate his targets. Additionally, his teeth were filed and painted, a detail that underscores his menacing and otherworldly presence.

Perception and Fear

Given the fear and ignorance of the Jedi, it's clear that Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had no reason to keep Maul’s feelings in mind at that time. Their familiarity with Darth Maul was limited to the dark side of the Force, and Darth Maul himself was a novelty to them. Obi-Wan, especially, was a snot-nosed, arrogant punk, and Qui-Gon was taken completely by surprise, suggesting that they lacked the foresight to question Maul’s identity further.

Prejudice and Preconceptions of the Jedi

One possibility is that they were unfamiliar with Maul's species, making it difficult for them to assume that his physical configuration was typically male. In a similar situation, they likely would have used gender-neutral pronouns, a choice that reflects modern sensibilities. Another perspective is that they were being openly prejudiced, which is also a valid interpretation within the context of the film.

The In-Character Motivation

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were unfamiliar with anyone from Dathomir, let alone a stranger familiar with the Force. Presumably, they knew or knew of all the accounted for Jedi. A Sith Lord was not even at the top of their minds. For them, the immediate threat required decisive action rather than prolonged contemplation. They did not have time to find out more about Darth Maul, as their primary concern was to get off of Tatooine and not spar with an unknown assailant.

Out-of-Universe Reflection

Out of universe, George Lucas is not known for his impeccable scripting abilities, and this can also be observed in the dialogue of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. The film's dialog choices are a product of Lucas' creative vision, and in-universe, the Jedi of the prequel era were very prejudice and arrogant, seeing an unknown Force user as a demon or a mere #34;thing.#34;

One of the best Jedi we have seen on screen is the one with no formal Jedi training and very little mentoring by Luke. I am not one for the sequels, in fact, I am not big on them. The point in the movie was to highlight the unfamiliarity of the characters with this new threat, and their immediate reaction was shaped by their prejudices and fears.

Despite these limitations, the character of Darth Maul remains compelling. His introduction is both thrilling and mysterious, and the way Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan refer to him offers insight into their perceptions and the broader narrative of the film.

Conclusion

The way Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan refer to Darth Maul as he is a reflection of the preconceived notions and prejudices they bring to the encounter. It tells us about the characters, the dark side of the Force, and the themes of the film. Despite the limitations of the script, this choice adds depth to the storytelling and enhances the overall experience for the audience.