1. Star Wars & Gender Theory: Discussion Questions  Write one-paragraph (5-6 sentences) for each response. Be sure to write down the prompt as well so that you remember to answer all of it’s parts.  Do the male characters reinforce or break traditional male stereotypes? Why or why not? What does Lucas’ portrayal of male characters reveal about his attitudes and beliefs towards “maleness”?  Do the female characters in reinforce or break traditional female stereotypes? Why or why not? What does Lucas’ portrayal of female characters reveal about his attitudes/ beliefs about femaleness?

2. Analyzing with the Gender Lens  Try to interpret this poem in two ways.  Traditional male perspective:  Female perspective:

3. Gender Theory Activity  Example: Princess Leia  Traditional Statement: Leia is the typical damsel-in- distress, who needs the help of all male characters to complete her mission.  Gender Statement: Because of the lack of women in powerful positions (in the land of Star Wars) Leia has no choice but to rely on the help of males. Her mistakes are not due to “feminine weakness” as Han Solo suggests, but by mere chance (similar to the mistakes made by male characters.