Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Coming of Age Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Quote #1

QUI-GON: Don't center on your anxieties, Obi-Wan. Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs.

OBI-WAN: But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future.

QUI-GON: But not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living Force, young Padawan.

OBI-WAN: Yes, Master.

It's the first scene of the movie, and we can already recognize the coming of age theme. Obi-Wan Kenobi, who is the mentor character in A New Hope, is himself the student. He is still learning what it means to be a Jedi knight and trying to determine how to properly use his powers. Everybody's got to start somewhere.

Quote #2

AMIDALA: We must continue to rely on negotiations.

BIBBLE: Negotiation? We've lost all communications. And where are the Chancellor's ambassadors?

PANAKA: This is a dangerous situation, Your Highness. Our security volunteers will be no match against a battle-hardened Federation army.

AMIDALA: I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war.

Despite being queen, Padmé Amidala is still learning. Growing up in a peaceful society, she believes negotiation is the way to settle disputes, but the Trade Federation's invasion disrupts this notion. With the textbook answer no longer applicable, Padmé must learn and grow to meet the challenge.

Quote #3

PANAKA: Wait! Wait. Her Highness commands you to take her handmaiden with you.

QUI-GON: No more commands from Her Highness today, Captain. The spaceport is not going to be pleasant.

PANAKA: The queen wishes it. She's curious about the planet.

QUI-GON: [Sighs] This is not a good idea. Stay close to me.

The queen is, of course, Padmé, so it is her own desire to learn about the planet and its customs that drives her to go with Qui-Gon. This desire to learn along with the knowledge she acquires will help in her coming of age.