Han Solo and Anakin Skywalker: a comparison

After spending too much time thinking about Han Solo, I have come to the conclusion that he is the scaled-down version of Anakin Skywalker.


Both were talented. Anakin was a Force-sensitive. Han was a skilled pilot. (Yes, I know Ani was a good pilot, too. He was also good at fixing things. But those are insignificant details as far as this comparison is concerned.)

Both were slaves who used their talents for their owners' profit. Anakin flew pod races for Watto. Han flew swoops and speeders for Shrike (because other pilots were usually the children of wealthy parents whom Shrike would run a scam on).

Both got out of enslavement and entered an institution where that talent could be used in legitimate ways. Anakin was accepted into the Jedi Order. Han enrolled in the Imperial Academy. (The legitimacy of the Empire can be argued. But I highly doubt Han went in thinking, "Gee, it sure would be swell to oppress the little people.")

Both left that institution due to disillusionment. Anakin left the Order because of what happens in RotS (something to do with Padmé, I believe). Han was thrown out of the Academy because he protested the mistreatment of Wookiee slaves.

Both then used their talents to do . . . um, bad things. Anakin became a Sith. Han became a smuggler.

Both redeemed themselves by using their talents for good. Anakin saved Luke from Palpatine. Han joined the Rebel Alliance. (Did Vader use the Force when killing Palpatine? I think so. He was being fried alive, for goodness' sake. Willpower alone is not enough to overcome that.)


There are other similarities (check out this thread if you're interested), but I would say those are minor details.

What do you think?

- lazy


PS - I have a weird request to make. Please out RotS spoilers as I haven't seen the movie yet. Thank you.

 

I hate to bump this, but is an interesting metaphor,

Personally I violently disagree, I like Han as being fiercely independent, in the films he isn't re3belling against anything, but Anakin is. Han is Han, not a chosen one smuggler thrust into the centre of importance.