Captions and Labels. Captions explain a visual item in writing. Labels—simple headers or titles within a graphic that give names to different parts—also assist readers in reading and understanding the graphic. Identify these guiding tools in the selection.
Science Fiction. Science fiction is imaginative literature based on scientific principles, discoveries, or laws. It is similar to fantasy in that it deals with imaginary worlds, but differs from fantasy in having a scientific basis. Often science fiction deals with the future, the distant past, or with worlds other than our own. As you read this selection, notice the scientific terms that are included.
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- The first Star Wars movie came out in 1977. Written and directed by George Lucas, it broke all box-office records and won seven Academy Awards. The film was such a success that Lucas wrote and directed two sequels for it, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The movie Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace was released in 1999 as part of the Star Wars series. In the movie, the Phantom Menace are the Dark Lords of Sith, led by Darth Maul, who are trying to rule the galaxy using the evil energy of the dark side of the “Force.” The honorable Jedi knights attempt to use the good elements of the Force to defeat the Lords. George Lucas came up with the concept of the Force in order to add an element of spirituality and moral values to his movies.
- George Lucas had many influences in the creation of his characters and their costumes. Both medieval Europe and medieval Japan were influences in his concept of a Jedi knight. First of all, you may notice that the name Obi-Wan Kenobi even sounds like a Japanese name! Notice that the hooded robe worn by Obi-Wan Kenobi is similar to the robes worn by Catholic monks in medieval Europe. Also, the underrobe worn by Obi-Wan is similar to a formal Japanese robe called a kimono. The Jedi’s skill in swordsmanship, his reliance on a teacher, and his religious training are modeled on qualities of both European and Japanese knights. Medieval knights in Europe were trained to battle with swords. They followed a strict code of chivalry as well as the principles of Catholicism. The samurai, the knights of feudal Japan, were trained in kendo, the art of swordsmanship, and trained in the religion of Taoism.
Critical Thinking
- Who is Obi-Wan Kenobi? Describe his appearance, including his gear.
- Look at the four small rectangle-shaped photos on page 309. What do these photos and their captions teach you about Obi-Wan’s personality and his duties as a knight?
Do you enjoy science fiction books or movies that deal with other worlds, other galaxies, or the distant future? Why, or why not?
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