Death and the Maiden: How “Reylo” will be canon (but not in the way you’re hoping)
Ahem. This scene right here, basically. This, right here:
See Exhibit A:
So I really wanted to leave this meta as is and let the visuals speak for themselves. I really wanted to leave it as is, to get across the symbolic impact of this scene, because it’s the driving force behind my theory and honestly the most important part in the movie. But in lit crit when you present your ideas, you need to back up the crux of your argument with evidence, so that’s what I’m going to do.
Before I get started, I wanted to thank all those in the fandom who contributed their ideas to this (honestly, it was one of the most stimulating discussions I’ve had on art history in ages). Additionally, I want to give a special shout-out to @a-shipper-despite-herself, who was instrumental in creating the collages. You’re a trooper.
What follows is an exhaustive, essay-length thesis-length deconstruction on the canon possibilities of Rey/Kylo (and all their variations), and why the symbolism in the film reinforces the erotic subtext between them (yes, you read that right. Erotic). The essay is a roundabout continuation of last week’s meta on Force Bonds and the similarities between Revan/Kylo and Bastila/Rey (which you can read here). Spoilers for TFA, EU/KotOR, and general craziness after the jump. Again, if you’re looking for surprises, don’t follow. I basically give everything away in detail.
NOTE: Apparently this thing is so big it crashes the mobile app. Either open it through a web browser on your phone or a laptop/desktop to get around it.
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Wow. I wonder what more you’ll add to this once you see The Last Jedi as that was full of Reylo.
