Um mito (pós)moderno? Estudo sobre as personagens de Star Wars.

Abstract

The present study aims to demonstrate how the deconstruction of binary oppositions in relation to the characters can contribute to an idea of post-modern myth of Star Wars. As specific objectives, we propose to understand the main ideas of post-structuralism, especially the concept of deconstruction; to identify the structural relationships existing in the first two trilogies of the saga (1977-1983 and 1999-2005); to analyze how the characters are constructed in the narrative; and, finally, to reveal, through the deconstruction strategy, the binary oppositions in relation to the characters of the new films (2015-2019). For that, we will bring to the post-structuralist discussion names like Jonathan Culler (1997), Terry Eagleton (2003) and James Williams (2013), in addition we will present some concepts of prominent philosophers of this theoretical matrix, such as Michel Foucault (2014), Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari (2011). However, our greatest consideration will be with Jacques Derrida and his thought described as deconstruction. In our reflection on the transition we proposed, we add that the modern myth is of origin; the postmodern, of language. While the first is guided by founding narratives and is based on the monomyth, by Joseph Campbell (2007), the second recognizes a delegitimization of these metanarrative, as Jean-François Lyotard (2009) writes, understanding identity as something constructed much more historically than biologically, according to Stuart Hall (2006). Thus, Luke's journeys, in Episodes IV, V and VI, and Anakin's, in Episodes I, II and III, develop under the hero's journey, a structure largely guided by well-defined oppositions, with emphasis on light/shadow. For us, however, in Episodes VII, VIII and IX, through the characters Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Ben Solo/ Kylo Ren and Rey there is the delegitimization of this canonical metanarrative of the saga, through a break with the precepts of the monomyth.