Consider: the original Star Wars trilogy is about integrating the three so-called “ego-syntonic” functions of the psyche…

Star Wars (a.k.a. Episode IV: A New Hope) details the integration of the auxiliary function, symbolised by Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ne).

The Empire Strikes Back gives us the positive depiction of the tertiary function and its role as a source of healing and retreat. Hoth, the Bacta tank, Dagobah and Yoda (Si) all symbolise this function’s role. Note that in Star Wars, this function is treated more negatively–it is only by integrating the auxiliary first that you can maturely handle the powers of the tertiary.

Return of the Jedi turns to the inferior function, represented by Leia and Endor (Fe). By learning of the true nature of his relationship to Leia, Luke is able to integrate his inferior function into consciousness.

26 years after first watching Star Wars (and 21 years after seeing the whole trilogy), these films still bowl me over with their insights.

If The Phantom Menace portrayed the tension between Introverted and Extraverted Thinking (i.e. Ti and Te), then Attack of the Clones explores Extraverted versus Introverted Feeling (i.e. Fe vs. Fi).

Fe emphasises our duties and obligations within our respective social roles. As a Jedi, Obi-Wan has a duty that goes beyond his own personal feelings—he is a Jedi first and an individual second. On the other hand, Fi transcends these roles, freeing us from the context of whatever role we’re playing at the time: the guiding principle instead is what we personally feel is right—this is embodied by Anakin’s choices in the film.

These are the functions of Fe and Fi as acted-out within the psyche of an INTP, however. Fe is the Anima/Animus, being positive and idealised, whereas Fi is the Demonic Personality, being steeped in the darkest of connotations. It’s personal bonds that keep leading Anakin down the path of the Dark Side because he’s ignoring his larger duties and obligations.

One scene in particular makes this dichotomy quite plain: Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padme are chasing Count Dooku on Geonosis when Padme falls out of their ship. Anakin demands that they fly back to get her, but Obi-Wan bites back: “Don’t let your personal feelings get in the way!” He then asks “What do you think Padme would do, were she in your position?” to which Anakin must admit, “She would do her duty.” Padme, of course, is Fe as the Anima. (See my earlier post on The Phantom Menace.)

Beyond all this, Te (as the Opposing Personality) gets another beating, this time as a political philosophy: when Anakin advocates what is essentially a benevolent dictatorship, his reasoning is simply, “If it works…” Meanwhile, Dex’s commentary on the difference between knowledge and wisdom can easily be interpreted as Te vs. Ti.

There’s more, but I need to ponder it further…

I just finished watching The Phantom Menace for the first time in years, and something leapt out at me this time around:

The major theme here is Ti versus Te.

Te is symbolised by the planet of Coruscant, and in particular by the Senate and the Jedi Council. These arms of the Republic have become unthinking and institutional, following their rules and procedures to the letter rather than the spirit of their laws. This is, essentially, a cautionary tale of Te run amok and is a great example of the Te Opposing Personality in INTPs.

Ti, on the other hand, has its mouthpiece in Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson). This Jedi Knight will “do what [he] must” despite what “the system” says. He’s a loose cannon as far as the Jedi Council are concerned because he won’t go along with consensus judgements (Te). It’s here that we see a clear example of the Ti Hero, where independent, intellectual judgement (free from “the party line”) is where the primary source of identity lies. (It seems pretty clear, too, that Jinn is essentially George Lucas’ surrogate.)

Perhaps most notably, however, the idyllic Naboo represents Fe. Why? It’s the primary depiction of the idea of symbiosis (i.e. mutual cooperation). Interestingly, it also stands-in for the feminine principle — the Anima — as embodied by Padme. Again and again, the Anima/Animus function seems to be offered as the ideal state to strive towards. Fascinating!

Finally, Se — trade, greed and conspicuous consumption — is played by both the Trade Federation and Watto, the junk dealer. These are Tricksters: dubious figures who aren’t outright villains.

I’m sure there’s more here as well, but that’s all I’ve got for the time being. But despite what anyone may think of the film’s merits, it’s yet another window into the INTP psyche and is valuable on that basis alone.

In conclusion:

• Hero/Heroine: Qui-Gon Jinn (Ti)
• Anima/Animus: Naboo (Fe)
• Opposing Personality: Coruscant (Te)
• Trickster: Trade Federation, Watto (Se)

Now that we’ve looked at Sam as the Ne Hero and Tuttle as the Ti Good Parent, it’s time to examine the case of the Puer/Puella (Eternal Child) as Extraverted Feeling (Fe).

The Eternal Child is a Peter Pan-like figure: on the one hand, he or she represents youthful vitality, but on the other hand, this archetype also symbolises an inability to grow or mature as a person.

This figure is incredibly recognisable in Brazil once you get past the role-inversion Terry Gilliam has introduced for comedic effect.

Fe is the function of social roles, expectations, obligations, appearance and standing — the function of diplomacy. I think it’s fair to say that Sam’s mother fits the bill here nicely.

Furthermore, it’s hard to escape the conclusion that this character also plays the role of Eternal Child, despite being Sam’s mother. How fitting, then, that she’s obsessed with plastic surgery, going to ludicrous lengths to appear ever younger.

To be honest, I can’t get over how perfectly we see archetype, function and character aligned in this case — it’s the sort of thing that gives Brazil its timeless, mythic quality. (I should add that it’s also quite fitting that Tuttle, the “Supernatural Aid”, appears and disappears seemingly out of the ether.)

Next: Anima/Animus (Si)