Dune: a brilliant work
A look at Dune, and why you should read this book.
Dune is one of the richest science fiction novels, and that's because the themes that include the fictional universe, which is already complex, are well worked on and explored in a critical way. Dune was written by Frank Herbert, released in 1965. It had a peculiar beginning, eventually being published by a company that published manuals related to work tools, but shortly after its debut, it won an award.
It is absolutely consistent that the work is so relevant and interesting, and continues to captivate readers of various ages, the plot and in-depth insights in the book will win over anyone who enjoys exploring new and complete fictional worlds.
A summary:
In a future governed by an intergalactic empire, the planets found are commanded by Major Houses, supervised by the padishah emperor Shaddan IV. House Atreides, commanded by Duke Leto Atreides, receives the decree to administer Arrakis, a desert planet and the only source of a highly traded spice, mélange. Paul, son of Duke Leto and Jessica Atreides, until then grew up lonely on his home planet, Caladan. His life was dedicated exclusively to training and studies, by the greatest master assassins still alive, and also to the training of the Bene Gesserit, on behalf of his mother.
The planet Arrakis, which the Atreides family assumes responsibility for, is also known as Dune, or desert planet. Previously, it had been ruled in a semi-feudal regime by the Atreides' mortal enemies, House Harkonnen. The planet and its inhabitants suffered all types of exploitation since the Harkonnens' only interests were profit from the mélange. In addition to all the difficulties with exploration and equipment, the Atreides must deal with water scarcity, desert danger, and political danger. One of the dangers of the desert is desert worms, giant creatures that destroy equipment and everything in sight, found where there is spice. The only hope to face the worms and the planet's complex ecology is the possibility of an alliance with a group of mysterious natives, called Fremen, enemies of the Harkonnen.
Duke Leto Atreides, Paul, Jessica, soldiers from Caladan, and his most trusted team (Thurfir Hawat, his mentat; Duncan Idaho, master of swords; Gurney Halleck, master of war and Doctor Wellington Yueh) then face Arrakis, as the new dangerous journey of their lives. But there are few favorable points for what House Atreides will face on this risky and mysterious planet.
Dune Characters:
Dune has a complexity in its universe. It is a rich, intelligent, and scientific universe. A curious fact about Dune's technologies is that it does not have robots. This is because, in the chronology of the saga, there was an event called Butlerian Jihad, or Great Rebellion, which destroyed all “thinking machines” and robots. The chronology of the first book takes place in the year 10,191.
Not only is the fictional universe well developed, but there are incredible characters with significant roles in the story. Paul is a hero who walks and discovers his path and purposes in a challenging way. Trained by a Bene Gesserit, and by the greatest master assassins, he is a character who has shown power and skills since the beginning of the saga, which sometimes contributes to Paul's “indestructible” and impassive vision in some parts of the book. Although the character often takes strong actions with a certain coldness, Paul also shows sensitivity and kindness. This is a little more visible at the beginning of his journey, which also changes its visibility precisely as his tragic journey passes.
The book focuses mainly on Paul’s journey, which takes away the possibility of important achievements and focuses on other characters with a lot of potential. Especially related to the female characters, such as Chani, a figure of responsibility and companionship, and Alia, daughter of Duke Leto, although both have very significant moments.
More visible, we have Duncan Idaho, an admirable character and companion, with lines and attitudes that made the book more emotional. We have the antagonist Vladimir Harkonnen, cruel and despicable but advanced political thoughts, and also incredible figures such as Gurney Halleck, Stilgar, Liet Kynes, Jéssica and Duke Leto Atreides
Jéssica, one of the female characters with potential, is recognized from the beginning to the end of the first book, which is incredible. Her journey is equally chaotic and challenging as Paul's, and they face it together in a way that makes their differences and disagreements clear. Jessica is the person who loves and cares, who shows her strength at all costs, a truly maternal figure in her thoughts and kindness, but showing her Bene Gesserit power and womanhood at all times. She is a brilliant character, mainly because she reconciles her authority and power with her more human characteristics.
Duke Leto is a character who, like Jessica and Paul, had my admiration from the beginning. This is because he has a clear determination and stiffness that aligns very well with his attitude. With Duke Leto, his speeches and actions, even at the beginning, I was able to understand several perspectives of the book while I was reading. Leto despises the Harkonnens' cruelty, especially towards Arrakis. His sincere concern for the planet and his family, and his trust in his team, make his character much easier to understand and sympathize with.
Kynes, like Stilgar, are symbolic, intelligent, and very important to the plot. In the collection “The Ecology of Dune” we have the story of his father and important understandings about the purposes of Kynes himself and the Fremen people. Brilliant insights into ecology accompany his speeches and memories. Stilgar, as well as Gurney Halleck, have an image of loyalty and struggle that is consolidated and perpetuated as the saga unfolds.
I couldn't describe all of these incredible characters and the exact reasons why they are so important to the book without giving away too many spoilers and using too many paragraphs, so my descriptions are brief and non-descriptive. But the way each of them is memorable comes across when you read the book.
Dune is one of those intelligent books that goes beyond fiction and brings us deep approaches to its plot. That's what makes it relevant, beyond science fiction. The book addresses politics, religion, and ecologic definitions, none of them superficially.
The issue of water, the plan to change the ecology of a planet and how it is linked to the forms of life organization of the inhabitants, the purpose of generations, the descriptions of places and atmospheres, all of this is explored by the author. He used his research material that he carried out for years for an article, from an environmentalist and modern perspective. Which justifies the brilliant and advanced conceptions about ecology in the book.
Finally, the universe created by Herbert, it is possible to analyze fields of debate, whether it is just fiction or not. Dune's relevance is completely understandable. The powerful scenarios, well-developed characters, provocative narratives and approaches make clear the author's talent, at least in his first book in the trilogy.
It is a stimulating read for those who enjoy reading about rich fictional universes, naturally a little complex or difficult to understand in some parts, but provocative in its plot and critical in its approaches. The events, scenarios and conflicts are worthy of fascinating and memorable science fiction.
