prequel trilogy

Dramatic irony and parallels

Although the prequel trilogy ends in tragedy with the fall of the Republic, the Great Jedi Purge, Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader and the heroes facing an uncertain future, the audience knows what the future holds for the survivors; Anakin, Luke, Leia and the rebellion defeating Darth Sidious and the Empire. The hope is symbolised in the last scene of the prequel trilogy which resembles the scene of Luke gazing out into the sunset; both scenes feature Luke, the same music and set in the Lars homestead. While the original trilogy adds dramatic irony to the prequel trilogy, the prequel trilogy adds new perspectives and backstories to established characters in the original trilogy. The prequel trilogy significantly expands Ben Kenobi's backstory of Anakin from Return of the Jedi. While Vader's role changes from villain to redeemable character in Return of the Jedi, the prequel trilogy adds another perspective to his character; a tragic fallen hero who would eventually find his way back and fulfill the prophecy of The Chosen One at the end of the original trilogy.