The Rise of Dune

Science Fiction’s Greatest Novel

BY ANTHONY CAGE GRUBB Staff Writer

Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, Dune, is one of science fiction’s defining novels. Dune is set in the far future, where humanity has organized itself into an empire spanning the universe. The novel centers around Paul Atreides, the son of a powerful duke, whose family has been given the desert planet Arrakis, more commonly known as Dune, to rule over. The planet is perhaps the most valuable world in the Empire because of the spice Melange—a substance used to extend one’s lifespan, travel through space, and expand the consciousness of the human mind. This seemingly peaceful transition of power is a secret ploy to bring the end of House Atreides by the Emperor and the Harkonnens, the sworn enemies of House Atreides.

Paul is destined to play an essential role in the looming conflict because of the growing belief that he is the “Kwisatz Haderach,” a prophesied being who can unlock his genetic history and access the memories of his ancestors. This being, whom many believe is Paul, is also destined to free the oppressed people of Arrakis from the empire’s rule. These people view Paul as a messiah figure and test him to see if he matches the prophecy of the Kwisatz Haderach; he passes the test.

Not long after House Atreides establishes their rule ov er Arrakis, the Harkonnens, backed by the imperial army, attack the planet and overthrow House Atreides. Duke Leto, Paul’s father, is murdered. But Paul and his mother, Jessica, escape into the desert. Upon finding a group of Arrakis natives, known as the Fremen, Paul begins training to become the Kwisatz Haderach and overthrow the Harkonenns and the Emperor.

Dune, put simply, is a masterpiece of the 1960s and a must-read for science fiction fans. The novel is more than just an epic space adventure; it deals with the themes of femininity, self-governance, technological advancement, and destiny. The oppressive rule of the Harkonnens and the Emperor is most notable because of its connection to modern-day events. Dune was published during the height of the Cold War, which stemmed from the conflicting ideologies of the United States and the Soviet Union. Herbert spends the entirety of his novel detailing the oppressive system of the Empire by exploring ideas of individualism, democracy, self-governance, and freedom—all of which are distinctly American characteristics.

Herbert continuously reflects on the idea of destiny and femininity by connecting Paul, the Bene Gesserit, and the Kwisatz Haderach figure. The imperial control of the Bene Gesserit, a group of female mystics, reflects the patriarchal ideas of society. Jessica, Paul’s mother, breaks away from the hold that the Emperor and the Bene Gesserit have on her and trains Paul in the mystical ways of the Bene Gesserit. In doing so, Jessica leads him to become the Kwisatz Haderach. This journey is Paul’s destiny, which is heavily referenced throughout the novel. Herbert uses these three concepts to show the interconnectedness of society and one’s destiny.

Ultimately, Dune is one of American literature’s finest pieces of work. Despite the novel being set in the far future, it reflects today’s society. Politics, religion, personal destiny, and innate desires collide to change the course of history drastically. Dune is a must-read for fans of science fiction, American literature, and stories of epic proportions.