Planet Dune Themes

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Influential sci fi writer, Arthur C. Clarke once compared the Dune universe to The Lord of the Ring’s Middle Earth; “Unique…in the depth of its characterization and the extraordinary detail of the world it creates. I know nothing comparable to it except The Lord of the Rings.” (Ruppe) An apt collation, Herbert did for science fiction what Tolkien did for fantasy; birth a world filled with explorable content and amusing lore. As with any fictional world, the Dune’s planet of Arrakis enforced themes true to the author’s beliefs, in this case the relationship between man and his location. Known for novelizing ecology, the Herbert placed great stock in how his world’s environment interacted with his characters, plot, and themes. Planet Dune, being portrayed as an inhospitable wasteland, offered such a relationship but in a unique form. Therefore, the harsh setting of Frank Herbert’s Dune drives development of characters, adaptation of their culture, and reformation of …show more content…

Paul and Jessica develop greatly on Arrakis. Paul turns from a righteous boy to a mature duke who must weigh his ethics with his objectives. Jessica attains the great wisdom necessary to manage the complex network of interpersonal relationship needed for her political and spiritual pursuits. They accomplish these metamorphoses through use of their Bene Gesserit trainings. But the ability to manage these skills come from the practice they receive on Arrakis.
For instance, Bene Gesserit tradition treats fear as a death knell of the mind. One must observe it but not act on it to remain strong and effective.
"’Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn to see fear's path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.'" (Herbert

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