Be wary of
imperfect heroes, for they know the path and fail to avoid it.
Dune is a
masterful work in that even after fifty odd years of existence, it holds up as
a template of how to write a fantasy novel and a science fiction novel in one.
Actually, less of a science fiction, as Herbert cleverly brings the entire
universe down to skeletal form through a society that has grown to reject an
overreliance on technology.
But it still
revels in expertise over both. You get amazing fantasy elements like kingdoms
filled with alliances, betrayals and politics while objecting to keeping any of
the more magical elements ‘magical’ – every action taken in Dune has a key
understanding and mechanism behind it. There is proper science in the book,
only it takes the form of something more magical through usage.
Trying to
analyze Dune is like cutting an onion. You are never quite sure how deep it
goes, and every reread will bring new and interesting revelations.
Arrakis is a
desert planet filled with Fremen and Sand Worms – and the setting of a battle
for supremacy across multiple years. Herbert divides the book into three parts
with the first being a prologue type and yet one of the most exquisite
prologues in fiction history. It wonderfully sets the status quo and the
characters.
One of the
fundamental points that make the characters in this book so well developed is
the usage of thoughts in the story. Initially, I felt it was to show an ability
of a certain character, but slowly and slowly I recognized it as Herbert
letting us understand the true nature of people beyond words and actions. Even
after death, through this mechanism, characters long gone remain relevant in
the present scene through the learning and impact they have had on the
protagonist.
Paul
Atreides, son of Duke Leto and Jessica, is a boy who turned man the day he was
born. Bred to be a warrior with abilities further than that, Paul astonishes
all, even his own mother who trained him – and in the process ensures
prophecies are fulfilled. He is joined by an amazingly detailed cast of his
mother, his warriors both old and new – as well as the enemy forces. I could
write pages on them just from this novel.
Taking place
far into the future, with humans having evolved into a feudal like system
across the universe – Paul becomes the centre of all human folly whether it be seduction
of politics or religion. If the Baron, the key antagonist of the story, is
powered by a keen understanding of the chess pieces – Paul’s is the
understanding that the pieces are men and women who are more than what are
thought of them. It is this folly of the Baron, in giving the pieces value
before appreciating that ultimately destroys him.
But if this
is just a story about human beings, then what is science fiction. That is where
the true value of Arrakis comes in – for it houses the most valuable resource
in the entire universe, the spice known as Melange. Providing almost
supernatural abilities, everyone is both awed by it and afraid – going to
furious lengths to keep it in their control.
Two of the
core themes of the novel are based on fear and thirst. The understanding of
both, the value of both – is what tips the war towards either side. If it was
Leto’s misjudgement of the strength of the Baron’s ambition that led to his
fall, it is the Baron’s prejudice against the ‘lowly’ Fremen and their messiah,
the hidden Paul, that leads to his.
Fear is
something that defines Paul wonderfully. The spice provides him with the
ability to look into the future, but not always into a desirable one. A battle
that started as personal vengeance grows into an empowerment of a race that is
fanatical in its religious drive – and shows that lines get blurred far too
quickly in what is victory and what is defeat. Such that by the end of the
novel, Paul doesn’t realize whether he has won or lost, and is mostly resigned to
ensuring limited damage comes of his rise to power.
For thirst,
the second theme, is what takes over – a land which has seen water as a
survival currency to such effect that even bloodshed is another resource for
them. The Fremen worship Paul, alive or dead – and see in him a sign that the
universe is ready for them. And only death and devotion lie in their wake.
One of the
more frightening elements of the resolution is that religious fanatism wins
over political manouvers. And that is problematic as even a good man dies
infront of such movements. And that brings fear....
I must not
fear. Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total
obliteration.
If only the
universe were so simple as to believe fear was the only thing to accept or
defeat.
So, I give it 9.5 out of 10.
+Rich character development
+Beautiful use of themes especially politics and religion
+One of the best extended prologues I have read
+Intricate action scenes
-The story template may have been too rigid
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