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A Galaxy of Possibilities: Representation and Storytelling in Star Wars
Star Wars has been a best-selling franchise since its creation in 1977. In the media landscape and people’s imaginations, its longevity isn’t surprising, given the efficient narrative models and strong multiple influences it possesses. Fictional universes of this importance that are meant for audiences of many ages have a responsibility in terms of representation and inclusiveness.
This collection of essays looks at different aspects and eras of the Star Wars universe: movies, television series, video games, and novels. It addresses the portrayal of children, women, ethnic diversity, and disability; and whether they offer positive and layered images of both heroes and villains.
Almost forty years of narratives of multiple forms has pitted Star Wars against societal and media evolutions, thus affecting narrative approaches and choices. A Galaxy of Possibilities explores some of their impacts on the franchise.
The New Revised Edition (September 2015) brings more in-depth content, as well as two bonus chapters to provide a broader look at the complex notion of inclusiveness.
This collection of essays looks at different aspects and eras of the Star Wars universe: movies, television series, video games, and novels. It addresses the portrayal of children, women, ethnic diversity, and disability; and whether they offer positive and layered images of both heroes and villains.
Almost forty years of narratives of multiple forms has pitted Star Wars against societal and media evolutions, thus affecting narrative approaches and choices. A Galaxy of Possibilities explores some of their impacts on the franchise.
The New Revised Edition (September 2015) brings more in-depth content, as well as two bonus chapters to provide a broader look at the complex notion of inclusiveness.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2015
About the author
Natacha Guyot
16 books38 followersNatacha Guyot is a French author, scholar and public speaker. Her main fields of interest are storytelling, Science Fiction, women and spirituality.
She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation in Arts and Humanities at the University of Texas at Dallas.
She is an intersectional feminist, a book dragon, a gamer, cat lady and Earl Grey drinker.
She lives in Virginia with her husband and their cat.
She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation in Arts and Humanities at the University of Texas at Dallas.
She is an intersectional feminist, a book dragon, a gamer, cat lady and Earl Grey drinker.
She lives in Virginia with her husband and their cat.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 22, 2015
The first edition had quite a few typos and grammatical errors. In fact, when I brought it up to the author, she informed me that she was planning on updating it and reposting a new edition –not only due to the errors but also to add some material.
I have since read the new edition and it is indeed a better written story with more updated comparisons. It provides a more in-depth analysis of representation in the Star Wars universe - both Legends and what is now considered canon.
Guyot mainly focuses on female characters in Star Wars and how they are represented in appearance, mannerisms, backgrounds, species, age, and disability. She also talks about droids and species representations in general, particularly beyond Force users. She encompasses the entire Expanded Universe (what is now considered “Legends”)—so spoilerphobes beware! I am not into TCW and learned a lot about that show because of this book (but don’t expect me to watch it. Even so, if I did decide to watch the show I’d have just spoiled myself for the ending).
The EU isn’t only described in terms of novels and comics, but in video games and trading cards. Guyot’s passion and involvement in the fandom is obvious through her words.
At about 8% (of the former edition), Guyot mentions that the Rebels series blends old and new elements in both of the trilogies, not only to “thread” the stories together but in presentation as well. That was a great observation, and not one I thought of while watching the series! I will definitely look out for that when I rewatch it (and with future episodes).
Many of the females are noted as not being oversexualized, despite the fact that it seems that most are, even in the EU. It is so easy to make a woman be a “sexual object or romantic partner,” and Guyot shows that the ‘verse breaks down the barriers and prevents this from occurring on multiple occasions…even in the games released in 1995.
Mara’s section allows Guyot to delve into female characters’ different sides and alliances. Tenel Ka’s section shows that while disabilities are prevalent in the Star Wars universe, their impacts are not fully touched upon the majority of the time.
(edited on July 22, 2015)
I have since read the new edition and it is indeed a better written story with more updated comparisons. It provides a more in-depth analysis of representation in the Star Wars universe - both Legends and what is now considered canon.
Guyot mainly focuses on female characters in Star Wars and how they are represented in appearance, mannerisms, backgrounds, species, age, and disability. She also talks about droids and species representations in general, particularly beyond Force users. She encompasses the entire Expanded Universe (what is now considered “Legends”)—so spoilerphobes beware! I am not into TCW and learned a lot about that show because of this book (but don’t expect me to watch it. Even so, if I did decide to watch the show I’d have just spoiled myself for the ending).
The EU isn’t only described in terms of novels and comics, but in video games and trading cards. Guyot’s passion and involvement in the fandom is obvious through her words.
At about 8% (of the former edition), Guyot mentions that the Rebels series blends old and new elements in both of the trilogies, not only to “thread” the stories together but in presentation as well. That was a great observation, and not one I thought of while watching the series! I will definitely look out for that when I rewatch it (and with future episodes).
Many of the females are noted as not being oversexualized, despite the fact that it seems that most are, even in the EU. It is so easy to make a woman be a “sexual object or romantic partner,” and Guyot shows that the ‘verse breaks down the barriers and prevents this from occurring on multiple occasions…even in the games released in 1995.
Mara’s section allows Guyot to delve into female characters’ different sides and alliances. Tenel Ka’s section shows that while disabilities are prevalent in the Star Wars universe, their impacts are not fully touched upon the majority of the time.
(edited on July 22, 2015)
Displaying 1 of 1 review