First I’m away on vacation so no access to PC. So I apologize for the length of the post bc I don’t have a keep reading option. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It has taken me several viewings to grasp the meaning behind the visions Rey and Ben had of each other. Like some of you I was heartbroken they didn’t end up together. Then theories about what they saw began.
Right out the gate, I’ve seen, its the future, or it already happened from a certain point of view. I’m very guilty of this also. I’m not pointing fingers. But you may be relieved to hear, it’s not as cryptic as we have led ourselves believe.
Rey- “I saw your future, just the shape of it but solid and clear, you will not bow before Snoke, you’ll turn.”
What Ben says next actually determines the meaning of both of their visions.
“I saw something too, and because of what I saw I know when the moment comes you’ll be the one to turn. Rey, I saw who your parents were.”
Alright, lets break these down.
Rey possibly saw Ben kill Snoke or at least go against him in some way. Since she specifically mentions him. If that’s all we saw, that would seem like Ben had turned to the light, right? But it’s out of context.
Ben saw who Rey’s parents were. He did not see Rey turn to the dark side. Take his words for what they were “because of what I saw.” The manner in which Rey’s parents left her and the fact that they are dead makes Ben believe she’ll turn to him when the time comes.
Because Ben says “when the time comes.” It is reasonable to believe he has seen the same thing Rey saw. They fight together against Snoke. I don’t think he knew how it would come to pass only that it would happen.
Regardless, of their interpretation of the event, they both find themselves wanting each other in the end. Rey becomes his motivator.
If you’ve followed my post about the metaphors in TFA from last year, then that phrase should ring a bell. Rey bypasses the compressor aka Snoke.
But I do think this is bigger than we could have imagined. It tells us that he has already decided what he wants and that is Rey.
Ben understands what it feels like to be betrayed by a family memeber and be completely alone.
“When the time comes, you’ll turn.”
This is why he implored her say it– they were nobody and they sold you.
He knows she has no legacy in the same way he does and Rey has been craving belonging. She admits this to him during their last Force Bond moment.
So when he points out the truth to her. Ben truly believes she will come with him and he can give her what she desires. A place in the galaxy, to be somebody and more importantly a family. Yes it was a proposal, there is no doubt about that at all. Ben cares for her, deeply, even if his view of the situation is misguided, the feelings are real. He wants to share his legacy with her even though she’s “no one.”
The problem or lack there of for Ben is Rey has already found a family in Finn, Leia and the Resistance. The homing beacon is representative of this fact. Leia even says it’s “to light her way home.” Then it is passed from Leia (while unconscious) to Finn and then to Poe. Symbolizing her family. And by the end of TLJ Rey has found her belonging. She took the Jedi books for a reason, and whether she knew it at the time or not her belonging is to the Force and finding a balance, creating a new way forward. It is not by Bens side (not in that way). Rey created her own purpose and belonging.
Now I know what your thinking- this sounds terrible for Reylo as a romantic relationship but I fully disagree with that.
To me it actually is far more positive for their relationship than Rey seeking her belonging with Ben.
Ben is stuck in the past as he hypocritically chastised Rey for being. Ben can’t hold on to the pain if he is to move forward. Just as rey can’t hold on to false hope for her parents defining who she is. Ben can’t let his past define who he will become. He has to let go just as he told Rey.
Rey realizing her worth is not tied to her past or a legacy is so important for her agency and helps light Bens way home.
If she had gone with Ben as he is right now, he would have pulled her to the dark side yes, but further into his downward spiral. He honestly wouldn’t have been Ben Solo. He is still chained to his past and therefore can’t move forward.
Rey did them both a favor. Now Ben craves something other than his revenge. He wants companionship.
Did Rey’s refusal hurt him? Yes, of course, it did. In his eyes, he has been rejected his whole life. First his parents, Han didn’t understand his power and that likely drove a wedge between them. I believe based on his answer to Rey about how he didn’t hate Han, that he idolized his father more than the legacy of his bloodline. Then Leia sent him away. He was most likely closest to her based on his reaction when he realized she was on the Resistance Cruiser. He couldnt bring himself to hurt her. Then Luke solidified his dark thoughts — the ones that Snoke probably stoked his whole life (they don’t love you, they fear you etc.)
When Rey refuses him, its just another rejection. He is furious but most of all he is absolutely heartbroken. Which is why he lashes out on Crait. Ben thinks if he ends it (in death) all the pain will stop. Afterall, he just ended Snoke, and the monster that was controlling him is gone. He wants everything in his past to die. Thankfully Luke reminds him that even if he kills his past, he will never escape the pain. It will linger within him always, just like his father.
It’s a hard lesson for him to learn and one I think he will continue to dismiss until his need/want for Rey outweighs his need for revenge.
Rey is someone he desires, not just because she’s pretty lol. But because she understands his loneliness, and she is also his equal in the Force. She is someone who will come to understand the meaning of this type of power.
Now, I’m not big on making theories anymore simply because I realize that it is damn near impossible to figure out plot points beat for beat. Ultimately its wrong or only half right so from now on I will only generalize on theory.
We probably won’t see a Ben Solo hell-bent on making things right with Rey. At least not at first. For the first time in his life, he is free to make his own decisions. Just as Rey is now free from her demons of the past to make her path.
I suspect, he will attempt to see his vision through because he’s stubborn and finally has a chance to start something new.
However, shit for Ben Solo is about to get real. He’s going to suffer that much I’m sure of.
Ben will have to save himself. It must be his own decision, as most have all been taken away from him.
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