Why Anakin Aspired to be a Jedi Master Despite Rejection
Anakin Skywalker's pursuit of becoming a Jedi Master, particularly during a time when the Jedi Order was not open to his aspirations, is a complex and intriguing plot point in Star Wars. Anakin envisioned a future where he, as Grand Master, could significantly influence and transform the Jedi Order according to his vision. His ultimate goal was to alter the fate of his wife, Padmé Amidala, and prevent her impending doom, which stemmed from his deep and abiding love for her. However, his journey to achieve this goal was fraught with challenges due to his emotional instability and immature personality, ultimately highlighting the importance of maturity and self-control in the Order.
Aspiring for Grand Mastery
Anakin's ambitions to ascend to the position of Grand Master were driven by a desire to gain greater authority within the Order. He imagined that as the highest-ranking Jedi, he would have the power to make significant changes that could align with his vision for the future. Being the Chosen One, he believed he had a unique responsibility to bring balance to the Force and prevent the dark forces that threatened the Republic. Anakin saw this role as his destiny and an opportunity to use his influence to safeguard his beloved wife from harm.
Character Flaws and Rejection
However, Anakin's path to achieving his dreams was hindered by several inherent character flaws. His emotional instability, impulsivity, and lack of self-control were significant barriers to his becoming a Jedi Master. Anakin's quick judgments, rash actions, and tendency to disobey orders when he disagreed with them indicated that he was not fully ready for the responsibilities he desired. His inability to maintain composure and follow the Jedi Code suggested that he was not a stable and reliable individual who could handle the heavy responsibilities of the Order.
Key figures like Yoda, Mace Windu, and even Obi-Wan Kenobi recognized Anakin's underlying issues with emotional control. This is why Mace Windu assigned Anakin an apprentice, Ahsoka Tano, aiming to help Anakin mature through the process of teaching her. However, Anakin's success in this endeavor was limited as he still struggled with his emotional instability and impulsive nature. Despite showing some growth in understanding his flaws, Anakin's core issues persisted, making him a less viable candidate for a position of such great authority.
Factors Hindering Anakin's Ascent
The issue of appointing Anakin as a Jedi Master was further complicated by external factors, including Palpatine's involvement. Palpatine, under the guise of the Sith Darth Sidious, leveraged his political influence to push Anakin's nomination for the Jedi Council. Anakin's acceptance of Palpatine's favor without proper channeling through the Jedi hierarchy raised concerns among the Council members. Mace Windu, in particular, believed that Anakin was not ready for the role of a Jedi Master due to his lack of wisdom and emotional stability. Yoda's assessment was even more critical, asserting that Anakin was too unpredictable and volatile for such a high-ranking position.
Obi-Wan Kenobi's attempt to advise Anakin became a testament to the challenges they faced. In a poignant exchange, Obi-Wan tried to explain the reasoning behind the Council's decision, highlighting the importance of Anakin's self-control. Obi-Wan's words, "What kind of nonsense is this? Put me on the council and not make me a master. That's never been done in the history of the Jedi. It's insulting!", captured the frustration Anakin felt. Obi-Wan's response, "Calm down Anakin. You have been given a great honor. To be on the council at your age... It's never happened before. Listen to me Anakin. The fact of the matter is you're too close to the Chancellor. The Council doesn't like it when he interferes in Jedi affairs.", further underscored the political and emotional pressures Anakin faced.
Lessons from Qui-Gon Jinn
Despite the challenges Anakin faced, it is also useful to draw comparisons with Qui-Gon Jinn, another figure who pushed the boundaries of the Jedi Order. Qui-Gon, known for his rebellious streak, was offered a seat on the Jedi Council but ultimately declined because he believed he could better achieve his goals outside the constraints of the Council. His awareness of the centralization issues within the Order and his proposal for alternative training methods demonstrate a more nuanced understanding of the Order's limitations.
However, Qui-Gon's rebellious behavior was more widely accepted by the Jedi Council because of his deep understanding of the Force and his personal code. Anakin, on the other hand, often acted out of a sense of superiority and confidence, which made him a less convincing advocate for reform within the Order. His impulsive and emotionally-driven actions raised questions about his readiness and stability.
Ultimately, the story of Anakin's struggle to become a Jedi Master highlights the importance of emotional maturity, self-control, and responsibility. While Anakin's dreams were noble, his inability to navigate the complexities of the Order without his desired changes ultimately led to his fall to the dark side. This journey serves as a cautionary tale not only for Anakin but for all who seek power and influence within the Jedi Order.