5 Greatest Moments from Star Wars that Perfectly Embody Hope in 2021

The year 2020 has changed life as we know it for the better. We often acknowledge the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 as the occasion we indeed found ourselves, and society changed for the better. But you may be wondering: what can we be hopeful for now? Here are some of the greatest moments of hope in our lifetime to inspire your 2021 mentality. 

  1. When Jar Jar binks singlehandedly outshined every protagonist 
    If the phrase ‘Pee-yousa’ doesn’t give you goosebumps: your dead inside. Much like Christians seek comfort in the words of God, George Lucas’s revolutionary dialogue has given society a symbol of hope. So much so, even Shakespeare himself is trembling in his grave at this deeply profound proclamation.

  2. When Kylo Ren murdered Han Solo
    The Force Awakens birthed one of the most inspiring metaphors on optimism to date. Lucas’ heart-wrenching portrayal of Kylo sacrificing his father to overcome his demons (and become a formidable Jedi) captures the essence of hope in our time. Daddy Issues? Of course not. Kylo’s symbolic assassination of his father shows there’s always an opportunity to turn the other cheek and mature as a person.

  3. When Rey found out her parents abandoned her
    Who said dysfunctional families were a bad thing? Not George Lucas. If there were a prize for having the most positive mindset after traumatic news, Rey would surely take the cake. Instead of being bogged down by the news, her characterisation as a strong independent woman is an attitude we all need to embrace in 2021. Ignore your problems and find the Rey of light at the end of the tunnel. After all, who needs therapy when you can stab people with a lightsaber to fix your inner emotional turmoil? In 2021, surely no-one in our society.

  4. When Leia Organa flew in space (yes, without a spacesuit)

    Mary Poppins who?

  5. When Emperor Palpatine returns
    Unlike COVID-19, Lucas’ unexpected literary diversion is the hope we genuinely crave in 2021. Frankly, if Emperor Palpatine can escape death, there is hope in the world for us all. 

Let it be known, George Lucas’ masterpiece will forever be the miracle we never knew we needed. If you decide to take away anything from our modern-day messiah: your lack of faith in yourselves is disturbing. Keep hoping for the better.


by Hannah White


About the briefs and co-ops

On week 1 of the Post-Digital Content module, students where asked to respond to the brief of Writers and Hope. This piece from the Saboteur co-op was selected for publication by the editorial team of the module. Saboteur specialises on disruptive content. Hannah reviews the top five moments of hope in the Star Wars saga.