Palpatine’s Decisions in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker': Hubris, Calculations, and the Light Side of the Force

Why did Palpatine, the powerful and cunning Emperor of the Galactic Empire, seemingly make a fatal mistake by dying in a manner akin to his previous demise in The Rise of Skywalker? This inquiry delves into the complexity of Palpatine's character and the various factors that influenced his decision-making process, providing a nuanced understanding of his actions as a Sith Lord.

The Perils of Overconfidence

Palpatine is epitomized by his unwavering arrogance and overconfidence. This trait permeates his entire character arc, culminating in his decision to confront Rey directly, despite the risks. His overestimation of his own power and his tendency to perceive himself as invincible are central to his downfall. In The Rise of Skywalker, Palpatine underestimates Rey's abilities and underestimates the power of the light side of the Force, leading him to make a critical miscalculation. This hubris is a recurring theme throughout the saga, and it ultimately leads to his demise.

Desperation for Power and Manipulation

Palpatine's desperation for power is another driving factor behind his actions. Despite his resurrection through dark Sith rituals, he continues to seek dominance and control. In the final battle, Palpatine's willingness to confront Rey directly and engage in a physical altercation showcases his unyielding desire to maintain his power. However, this desperation may have led to his downfall. His miscalculation in assuming that he could manipulate his opponents as he had in the past underscores his failure to recognize the changing dynamics of the conflict between the Sith and the Jedi.

Rey's Potential and the Light Side

Palpatine underestimated Rey's potential, both in terms of her abilities and the strength she found in the light side of the Force. His belief that he could drain her power without consequence reflects a profound misunderstanding of the new generation of Force users. Rey's light side abilities proved to be a significant threat to Palpatine, as they ultimately led to his downfall. The lightning strike at the end of the film was not just a moment of unpredictability but a manifestation of the balance between light and dark forces, highlighting the resilience of the light side.

The Cyclical Nature of Conflict

From a storytelling perspective, Palpatine's death serves as a powerful thematic conclusion. It mirrors his previous defeats and emphasizes the cyclical nature of the conflict between the Sith and the Jedi. This narrative closure not only provides a satisfying resolution for the character arc but also reinforces the central themes of the saga: the power of hope, unity, and the eventual triumph of the light side over darkness. The cyclical nature of conflict demonstrates how each generation of Sith and Jedi carries forward the lessons of those who came before them, making it possible for the cycle to be broken and for the light side to prevail.

The Wisdom in Palpatine's Decisions

Some might argue that Palpatine's decision to die in a similar way to his previous defeats is a result of regret or a grander plan. However, it is important to consider the wisdom of his decisions within the context of his character and the larger themes of the saga. Palpatine's miscalculations, while they may seem foolish to an outsider, align with his consistent behavior throughout the series. His overconfidence, desperation for power, and underestimation of Rey all reflect a character who, despite his intelligence, is ultimately flawed and falls victim to his own hubris.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Palpatine's death might seem like a failure at first glance, it is the result of a complex interplay of character traits and narrative choices. His overconfidence, desperation for power, and miscalculation of Rey's potential all contribute to his downfall. Yet, his wisdom in recognizing the cyclical nature of conflict and the resilience of the light side of the Force provides a deeper understanding of his character. Ultimately, his actions serve to reinforce the central themes of the saga and provide a satisfying closure to his character arc.