Rey's Parents on Jakku: Contradictions and Revealings in Star Wars

The enigma surrounding Rey's parents on Jakku has been a central point of debate among Star Wars enthusiasts. While the film creates a compelling narrative, many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the discrepancies between Kylo Ren's reveals and Rey's own understanding of her past. This article dives into the inconsistencies and clarifies the plot points, using evidence from the films to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

The Plot and Controversies

In the context of The Rise of Skywalker, it's clear that the central contradiction revolves around Rey's parents and the truth she uncovers. One inconsistency is the location where Rey's parents were buried. In one instance, Kylo Ren tells Rey's parents were abandoned on Jakku, and in another, the revelation seems to contradict this. This discrepancy has sparked much debate among fans. For instance, some argue that:

1. Both perspectives are untrue: Neither of these versions is accurate.

2. Kylo Ren may be deliberately omitting information: It's possible that Kylo is being poetic or hiding the truth.

3. Kylo Ren is telling the truth: Perhaps Rey's parents sold her for drinking money and abandonment is a cover-up for their own selfish acts.

Confronting the Realities

Examining the real plot progression, we can see that Rey's assertion that her parents were 'nobody' aligns with the information presented in the films. When Kylo Ren finally speaks the truth, Rey's statement 'They were nothing,' is more of an acceptance of this harsh reality rather than a complete revelation. This is evident from the following scene:

"Kylo: You know the truth. Say it.
Rey: They were nobody.
Kylo: The were filthy junk traders sold you off for drinking money…

Despite these revelations, Rey's understanding of her parents was already forming before Kylo's confessions. The very absence of repeated visions before meeting Snoke, the failure to locate her parents, and subsequent meditation sessions support this idea. Taking a closer look at the prequel events, it becomes evident that Rey's visions only began after encountering Snoke, a key figure in the Force.

Psychological Interpretations

From a psychological perspective, it's not uncommon for individuals to subconsciously(Constellation?) anchor themselves into false hopes and realities. Here, Rey initially clung to the belief that her parents were somewhere, waiting for her. But as the narrative progresses, her bias and denial start to weaken. The portrayal of Rey's anger towards Kylo highlights this transformation:

"I know you’re lying!... I trusted you, and you lied to me!” (The anger intensifies as he continues to speak for her parents) "They abandoned me, these voices in my head! They were necessary to get me here for Luke! They were lying to me all this time…" Rey could hardly contain her anger and began to fight Kylo with the lightsaber.

This sequence underscores the idea that Rey's anger towards Kylo is driven by his gameplay in perpetuating her denial. She already knew the truth, but Kylo's revelations intensified her awareness, leading to a more profound anger and acceptance of the harsh truth of her past.

Final Understandings

The explanation for the burial location is also clarified. Jakku, as a planet, is vast and varied. While Kylo mentions that they were abandoned on Jakku, it's entirely plausible that they were buried elsewhere. The pauper's grave hinting at the burial location reflects that they died in a non-precipitous manner, akin to common burials in any civilization—whether on Jakku or Earth. This aligns with the fact that the poor and destitute often disappear in such a manner.

The inconsistency can be succinctly explained if Ry's parents died after leaving Jakku, obtaining drinking money. This could explain why the graves are marked as paupers, indicating their premature departure and death in a place with an accountable government. The very idea that they were in a pauper's grave amplifies the harsh and tragic reality of their fate.

In conclusion, the plot of Rey's parents being buried on Jakku, as revealed by Kylo Ren, is a complex and thought-provoking aspect of the Star Wars storyline. While it creates a narrative conflict, it ultimately serves to deepen the character's and the audience's understanding of noble perseverance and the harsh realities of the Force. As fans, we can appreciate the intricate plot development and take solace in the fact that the truth, even if challenging, brings clarity and resolution.