6

In Star Wars: The Last Jedi there is one scene between Rey & Kylo Ren when they are force-linked, where Rey calls Ren a "murderous snake" and a "monster".

Although Kylo begins to point out what he perceives as Rey's ignorance of past events, he does not deny what she stated and replies, "I am a monster."

Now perhaps this was just a disarming tactic, but are there any other reasons with some sufficiant evidence to prove what Kylo Ren's motivations were here in not fighting Rey on her characterization of him?

1 Answer 1

5

are there any other reasons with some sufficiant evidence to prove what Kylo Ren's motivations were here in not fighting Rey on her characterization of him?

Very simply put, because he didn't want to fight with Rey. He was reaching out for contact, not for a "yes it is"/"no it isn't" argument.

I read Kylo's statement as an acknowledgement of perspective, i.e. "Yes, I know you see me as a monster". He's not agreeing with Rey objectively, he's just acknowledging her point of view.
Whether that is done genuinely or simply to disarm her is left up to interpretation of the viewer.

Keep in mind that Kylo and in the past Anakin have been well aware of the impact of what they are doing, they simply think their actions are a necessary evil.

6
  • 2
    His decision to go to the dark side was not without conflict and regrets. And, certainly, killing his own father wasn't done because he's a complete sociopath without feelings. He could very well actually agree and feel that he is something of a monster. Oct 15, 2019 at 17:49
  • @PoloHoleSet I honestly can see either characterization, even though I do suspect that there could be an interesting philosophy behind Ren's motivations and/or that he's been listening falsely to the wrong person the whole time mistaking them for someone else (ie: mistaking Anakin for Palpatine), but I am looking for answers or hint of answers in things like the novelization or interviews from Eps/Writers/Cast about this particular scene, but perhaps it will rely on information in TROS. Oct 17, 2019 at 12:57
  • 1
    @DarthLocke - My claim here was that it was probably a complicated, murky mix of things, and I thought the answer was somewhat black and white. Oct 17, 2019 at 15:36
  • @PoloHoleSet: I don't quite see how the answer is black and white. It specifically nuances both Kylo's opinion on himself and on how other perceive him.
    – Flater
    Oct 17, 2019 at 21:13
  • @Flater - I don't see anything in there that indicates that there might be some remorse or conflict - you state, "quite simply" that it's to avoid fighting Rey, and that someone else might view their actions as evil, or that, while unpleasant, they are necessary. None of that indicates any feelings of actual conflict, just others not having the capacity to understand. Oct 17, 2019 at 22:43

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .