The Force Awakens recontextualises the original trilogy and prequel trilogy in some really interesting ways, and I'd like to discuss my thoughts with you

I would argue that the PT and OT was about the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker. Born into slavery, the responsibility of being the "Chosen One" was thrust upon him out of the blue and at a very young age. He must leave behind the one's he loves and face this responsibility head on and without distraction and attachment. But his heart was too big for the task. He loved his mother and he missed her terribly, but she died in his arms as he was too late to save her.The only comfort he can find is in the arms of Padme, a love that is forbidden by the Jedi. But Anakin's heart is too big. He needs to love, and soon Padme is pregnant. Haunted by visions that he will lose her like he lost his mother, Anakin does the unthinkable: he turns to the dark side in an attempt to save her, but in doing so he loses everything he ever cared about and the galaxy is plunged into darkness and despair.After years of anger and hatred, there is A New Hope. Anakin's children live on, and through their courage and determination, they restore peace to the galaxy and redeem Anakin's horrendous actions. Anakin is at peace, he is back at his friends sides and Luke will go on to reverse the damage caused by his father. He will train a new generation of Jedi. So ends Return of Jedi and the redemption of Anakin Skywalker.But now, TFA changes that. The films are no longer about the tragedy of Anakin, they are about the curse of being a Skywalker. After everything Luke went through, he failed in his task to restore the Jedi to their former glory. A rogue student, his own nephew, betrayed him and murdered his students. Imagine the loss and despair of failing to protect them, about failing to guide your nephew to the light. He is forced into exile. The people he cares about most, his friends, his family, he has to leave them. And then he loses arguably his best friend, Han Solo. His mother, his father, his mentor (Obi Wan), his friends, his students, Luke has lost almost everyone he has cared about.TFA shows that the Skywalker name is a curse. It brings incredible power and responsibility to all those who bear it. They cannot live normal lives; the Force requires their servitude and they will be forced endure loss, heartache, temptation and tragedy. But they must continue their fight; the galaxy depends on them. Will a Skywalker ever find peace? I hope so.I really like the way TFA changes the context of the films. They're less about Anakin's personal tragedy, and more about the Skywalker families. It's one, long, epic story of hope and loss, and the one family that has no choice but to keep on fighting through it all. via /r/StarWars http://ift.tt/2l4fbM0