{Luke, holding stormtrooper helmet.} Alas, poor stormtrooper, I knew ye not,/ yet have I taken both uniform and life/ From thee. What manner of a man wert thou?/ A man of inf'nite jest or cruelty?/ A man with helpmate and with children too?/ A man who hath his Empire serv'd with pride?/ A man, perhaps, who wish'd for perfect peace?/ What'er thou wert, goodman, thy pardon grant/ Unto the one who took thy place: e'en me.
In Ian Doescher's "William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope," the character Luke Skywalker reflects on the stormtrooper he has just defeated. He expresses a sorrowful contemplation on the life and identity of the fallen soldier, highlighting his uncertainty about the stormtrooper's past and the humanity behind the uniform. Luke grapples with questions about the soldier's character, wondering if he was a man of humor, family, or pride in serving the Empire.
This soliloquy mirrors Shakespeare’s traditional themes of mortality and the human experience, as Luke seeks forgiveness for taking the stormtrooper's life. His words evoke a sense of empathy, emphasizing the shared humanity even among enemies, and inviting readers to reflect on the nature of war and sacrifice in a galaxy far, far away.
