A Rey of Hope: Feminism, Symbolism and Hidden Gems in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The new Star Wars: The Force Awakens offers a world of diversity - its heroes span the races and genders. Yet under this, there's much to explore - Rey is a butt-kicking heroine, but some might say she's so overpowered she has no challenges left. Others might observe that from her clothes and skills to her friends and enemies, she's excelling more at the hero's journey than the heroine's. Does Finn undergo the classic hero's journey, or is his too subverted? There are fascinating symbols as well, as Kylo Ren's lightsaber is as unstable as he is, while perception and sight dominate the story arc. From themes to novels and comics, this book explores the hidden depths of the series, revealing them for fans to enjoy. An unauthorized guide.

Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of many books on pop culture, including Doctor Who - The What, Where, and How, Sherlock: Every Canon Reference You May Have Missed in BBC's Series 1-3, History, Homages and the Highlands: An Outlander Guide, and How Game of Thrones Will End. Many of her books focus on women's roles in fiction, from her heroine's journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Buffy and the Heroine's Journey to books like Women in Game of Thrones and The Many Faces of Katniss Everdeen. Once a lecturer at San Jose State University, she's a frequent speaker at conferences. Come explore her research at www.vefrankel.com.