For my Star Wars Book Month celebration, I am going to host a read-a-long of Darth Plagueis. I’d love for you to join me! This question and the comments might have spoilers for Part 1.
Also, I’d like to apologize for my absence lately. I just moved into a new house and life has been more than a little crazy! Our first night here we couldn’t find toothpaste or toothbrushes or hand soap or towels or toilet paper. That is the kind of crazy I’m talking about.
I’ve gotten behind on my posts a little, but I’m going to work hard to catch up. Also I’m starting chapter 11 today so I’m a little behind in reading as well. But I am really liking this book so far.
Today is the second week of the read-a-long. We’ll read part 2 this week. Today’s question is about part 1:
What do you think of Palpatine as a teenager?
I found Palpatine as a teenager very interesting. I thought he’d be wanting to rule the galaxy already and working hard at politics, but that wasn’t the case. He seems like a spoiled rich kid without much ambition. He likes to drive fast and make daddy’s life hard. It seemed like his main motivation to spy in Naboo politics was mainly because his dad wouldn’t want him to. I wonder what changes about him along the way.
Leave your answers in the comments!
Reading Schedule
February 5th-11 ~ Part 1: Chapters 1-12
February 12th-18th ~ Part 2: Chapters 13-21
February 19th-28th ~ Part 3: Chapters 22-30
I’m really excited to read this along with all of you! Also, you can get bonus entries in the giveaway if you answer today’s read-a-long question in the comments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOoOT4LNpzU
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My name is Jessica. I love to read Young Adult and classic literature. I’ve been a book blogger for six years and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet. I’m a very curious reader. Writing about all the questions and thoughts I had while reading a book is the best hobby ever.
I have really enjoyed this book so far!! I also had some preconceived notions as to what I thought Palpatine would be like (that are very similar to yours). Is it totally strange that I could kind of sort of relate with him when he was first introduced (obviously not later when he, you know, goes all psycho killer on us). In him, I saw not only a rebellious, do things to aggravate the parents kind of teenager, but also one that was desperately wanting to be acknowledged. As much as he hated his parents, I wonder if underneath it all, if he just wanted his parents to approve of him. Of who he was, not who they wanted him to be. I think that is why he attached so readily onto the attention from Plagueis. Someone was finally encouraging him to be himself, pursue his own ambitions and interests. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good influence as Plagueis is, you know, a Sith. I wonder if he would have killed his family and everyone (at that time, at least) if he hadn’t been, essentially, provoked by Plagueis. I don’t think there was any chance he would have become a Jedi though if someone else had approached him. He had a lot of fear and anger in him. And you know what Yoda says about fear and anger…”Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” I may be over analyzing though ;) Thanks for this fun read-a-long!
That’s such a good point – I think so many teenagers will grab onto a bad influence like that because someone accepts them for who they are. I felt like palpatine was much more relatable when we first met him than I thought he would be.
I know palpatine says that Plagueis provoked him, but I think I missed it. What did Plagueis say? Did he mention that palpatine’s life would be better without his dad or something??
It’s true that he did have a lot of fear and anger – I do wonder if the Jedi could have trained that out of him. Obviously it didn’t work with Anakin so maybe not.
By the way, your amazing comment totally made my day. It’s really motivated me to keep reading! Thanks so much for joining me :)
Well, “provoked” doesn’t quite describe it as well as maybe influenced, or even, led by example, might have. In chapter 11, Plagueis starts to put the thought into Palpatine’s mind to “free” himself, and to not hold back in pursuing his dreams. He also hints that in order to gain the power Palpatine desires, he must do something about it…and that Plagueis expects it of him: “Nothing more than that you commit to your intent to free yourself. That you grant yourself the license to do whatever is necessary to realize your ambitions, at whatever risk to your alleged well-being and in full expectation of the solitude that will ensue.” He then proceeds to tell Palpatine a story about his own past and the role he played in the deaths of his siblings (of course, it wasn’t all true) in order to further his own designs and elevate his own standing. I think these things, combined with the assurance that Plagueis would be, essentially, his ally (and possibly even help hide his crimes??), really pushed Palpatine to commit the murders. If not consciously, then definitely subconsciously. At least, that is what I took from it. :) :) :)
I went back and re-read chapter 11, and you’re right – but Plagueis was really subtle about it. I can’t believe I missed it! Thanks for your insights – it really helped me out.
And BTW I know I missed a discussion for Part 2. I’m doing a discussion post tomorrow for Parts 2 and 3. I’m on Chapter 23. I’m so sorry I’ve been behind on this read-a-long, but it’s been a joy to read it with you and hear your thoughts! What chapter are you on?
I am almost finished with chapter 28…so I’m getting there!