That said, of the three movies, Empire has the most Shakespearean themes—betrayal, love, battles, destiny, teachers, and pupils. All of those, plus the shocking father–son relationship. In some ways, Empire follows an ancient story form that Shakespeare used: a classic tragedy, with Luke Skywalker as the tragic hero. He is like the Greek tragic hero Oedipus, who learns only too late that his mother is his wife and tears out his eyes after she hangs herself. Luke discovers that Darth Vader is his father just after losing a hand—close enough, right? Luke also demonstrates some serious hubris, just like Oedipus: he faces Darth Vader before being truly ready, despite the objections of the two remaining Jedi in the entire galaxy. And he pays the tragic price for it. Along the way, Han Solo is put on ice and Leia’s and Chewbacca’s hearts are broken. All the heroes will, of course, live on, and the tragedy will turn toward Darth Vader’s redemption in Return of the Jedi, but when you take Empire as a single unit, the tragedy is Luke’s, and the rebels see the worst of things by far.
Thank you for continuing this adventure with me. I hope William Shakespeare’s The Empire Striketh Back offers plenty for both Star Wars fans and Shakespeare fans to appreciate. For instance, I hope talking wampas, AT-ATs, and space slugs (to say nothing of singing Ugnaughts) bring a smile to your face. And did you notice whom Han and Leia sound like once they start getting romantic? (Hint: look at the line endings.)
The positive response to William Shakespeare’s Star Wars was a gift to me as a writer; I hope my retelling of Empire (and Return of the Jedi, coming soon) is a fitting thank-you.
Acknowledgments.
So many people provided love, support, and encouragement for the release of William Shakespeare’s Star Wars and the writing of William Shakespeare’s The Empire Striketh Back that this book would be twice as long if I tried to name them all.
Thank you to the amazing people at Quirk Books who make the Shakespeare’s Star Wars world go round: Jason Rekulak and Rick Chillot (the best editors a guy could ask for), publicity manager extraordinaire Nicole De Jackmo, the epic Eric Smith, and everyone else at Quirk. Thank you to my agent, Adriann Ranta, for hearing every idea—even the crazy ones—and responding to them gracefully—even the crazy ones. Thanks to Jennifer Heddle at Lucasfilm and, once again, to incredible illustrator Nicolas Delort.
Unending thanks to my college professor and friend, Murray Biggs, who once again reviewed my manuscript to improve the Shakespearean elements of the book. He confessed to me, after reading William Shakespeare’s Star Wars, that he has never seen the Star Wars movies but said, “I have a feeling about that Luke and Leia.” I hope Empire hasn’t crushed that romantic hope too harshly. (And wait until he reads Jedi—gasp!) Huge thanks are also due to my friend Josh Hicks, who has been my confidant for ideas about these books ever since I had the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Star Wars. Josh and I have spent endless hours watching and discussing the Star Wars movies (like all true geeks), and he has been a constant encouragement. Thank you, Josh—now let’s finish that children’s book.
My parents, Beth and Bob Doescher, are my biggest fans and let me know how proud they are every time I see them. I know how rare it is to have parents who love you deeply and let you know it, and I don’t take it for granted. To my brother Erik Doescher, my aunt Holly Havens, and my dear college friends Heidi Altman, Chris Martin, Naomi Walcott, and Ethan Youngerman: thank you for continuing to show your love and support as one turned to three.
I have been blessed throughout my life by wonderful teachers and mentors: Jane Bidwell, Betsy Deines, Doree Jarboe, Chris Knab, Bruce McDonald, Janice Morgan, and Larry Rothe top the list. Thank you all so, so much for the lessons in school and life.
A big thank-you to the Star Wars fans who embraced William Shakespeare’s Star Wars (and me) so warmly. You are an amazing group of people. Special shout-out to the worldwide members of the 501st Legion, and especially the 501st’s Cloud City Garrison in Portland, Oregon.
Thank you also to so many who offered their kindness and assistance: Audu Besmer, Travis Boeh, Chris Buehler, Erin Buehler, Nathan Buehler, Jeff and Caryl Creswell, Katie Downing, Ken Evers-Hood, Mark Fordice, Chris Frimoth, Alana Garrigues, Marian Hammond, Brian Heron, Jim and Nancy Hicks, Apricot and David Irving, Alexis Kaushansky, Rebecca Lessem, Andrea Martin, Joan and Grady Miller, Jim Moiso, Michael Morrill, Dave Nieuwstraten, Julia Rodriguez-O’Donnell, Scott Roehm, Tara Schuster, Ryan Wilmot, Ben Wire, and Sarah Woodburn.
Last but never least, thank you to my spouse, Jennifer Creswell, and our children, Liam and Graham. Jennifer continues to be incredibly encouraging, even though this endeavor has taken much of my time and energy. Liam stops everyone he can, even complete strangers, and tells them I am the author of William Shakespeare’s Star Wars. Graham shows his support through the biggest, strongest hugs an eight-year-old can give, which are the best cure for just about anything. Thank you, Jennifer, Liam, and Graham: you are my high every day.