Written by Jakob Barnard
Sci-Fi Reading Hour 2, 11/1/1999
Plot
The plot of the book Dune is very complex,
so it is best to start at the beginning.
House Atreides has been forced to trade its home, Planet
Caladan, for Dune, home of the spice. The enemy, the Harkonnens,
are part of a plot to destroy House Atreides.
Paul Atriedes, son of Duke Leto Atreides, is the product
of generations of selective breeding which is intended to produce
a superbeing.
When House Atreides is seemingly destroyed by Harkonnen treachery,
Paul and his mother Jessica flee into the desert. They then
take refuge with the Fremen.
While in exile, Duke Paul Muad'Dib learns about who he is and who he
will become.
The story is finalized by a great battle where the Fremen with Paul
at their head defeats the Emperor Shaddam IV and his Imperial
Sardaukar Legions, thus paving the way for Paul to become Emperor.
To finalize the Paul marries Irulan, the Crown Princess, and becomes
Emperor.
Plot Analysis
I think the complexity of the plot is
part of what makes it so effective. Human
life is complex, so also is a plot about
it. While some parts may seem predictable
things being as complex as they are, the plot
is not as predictable as it seems. The phrase
"Nothing is as it seems" plays an important
role in this novel. There are plots, within plots, within
plots.
An example of these many plots is in the Arena where
Feyd-Rautha fought the Atreides Gladiator.
It all turned out to be a plot to discredit
one of his Uncle's men, in order to replace him
with one of his own.
Character
Duke Leto Atreides - Duke of Caladan and
later Arrakis. He was a popular figure among the other
Great Houses. He is chiefly as the father of Paul
Muad'Dib Atreides.
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen - The epitomy of
evil. He is the most hated character in Dune.
He rules Geidi Prime. He is chiefly noted for
taking down House Atreides.
Paul Muad'Dib Atreides - Trained as a Mentat
from birth, Paul was born to rule. Paul is
also a product of a genetic breeding plan going
back hundreds of generations.
Lady Jessica - Concubine of the late Duke Leto.
Graduate of the Bene Gesserit School. She is the mother
of Paul and Alia Atreides.
Stilgar - Leader of Sietch Tabr. Strong and
unyielding. He is a devout follower and friend of
Paul Muad'Dib.
Setting
The setting of Dune takes place far in
the future when the human race has spread out
to cover the galaxy. Then more specifically the majority
of the novel takes place on Arrakis, Dune, which is
a Desert Planet.
Point of View
The novel is written in 3rd person,
with an introduction by a narrator. The introductions
at the beginning of each chapter give the novel
character and give a little bit of extra information
to the reader.
Theme
The theme seems to be triumph through trials.
throughout the novel Paul is faced with various
trials, such as when his father is killed. He
must fend for himself, his mother, and what is
left of House Atreides.
Favorite Part
My favorite part of the novel is the final battle
in which Paul reclaims his birthright.
It is my favorite part because it shows triumph
through trial.
Opinion
In my personal opinion, the novel Dune is
an extremely well-written book.
It is a book that keeps the reader interested in it
throughout the book. I could hardly put it down, I
found it so addicting.
I liked how he portrayed human evolution.
In doing so, giving a possible future of the
universe. I would recommend this book to anyone
seriously interested in science fiction, because
it is one of the great classics of Sci-Fi. The
reason I would recommend this book is because it
covers all of the facets of a science fiction
novel in a new and interesting fashion.
