Title: Book I & II Discussion ?'s (Hide for students and present as they read)
Course: Science Fiction: Dune > Section: Book I

These are some of the discussion questions that I post in the Book discussion forums for students to answer as they finish reading each section:

Book I discussion
The Fremen

Jessica's meeting with the Shadout Mapes (pp. 52-57); Leto's meeting with Stilgar (91-94) and Dr. Kynes introduction (105-126) are important because they introduce the Fremen to the story as characters. Even though the Atreides are unaware that Dr. Kynes is a Fremen, we know because of the narration. Even though he works for the Emperor he is still a Fremen and must hold a considerable amount of power if he can order the assassination of Duncan Idaho. His identity is obviously a secret to members of the great houses and the Emperor himself.

After reading these sections think about:
• what kind of people the Fremen are;
• what is important to them;
• discuss the value placed on water and crysknives (what does this value say about the items and the people who value them?)
• what do the Atreides think about the Fremen after these brief meetings?

Now, what do you think about all of these things? Post your responses, comment back, and I'll throw in my opinion when I think it's relevant.

Paul’s Interpretation of events

Paul goes through quite a transformation throughout Book I from his training—as a fighter and as a Mentat; his encounter with Reverend Mother Mohaim; watching his father walk into a trap; encountering Fremen; the banquet; how he responds to his mother at the end of Book I.

Everything is preparing him for what he thinks of as his terrible purpose. Even though we don’t know what that is yet, we can make some guesses based on what Dr. Kynes thinks of Paul, as well as Hawat and Leto’s plan to use him as part of the Fremen Messianic prophecies. These may even be linked to something the Bene Gesserit call the Missionaria Protectiva.

Did any of the events surrounding Paul in Book I get you thinking? Describe how you think Paul evolves as a child moving into adulthood.

The Banquet Scene

In this chapter of the book (pages 126-157), we see one of the longest chapters in the book and also one of the most eventful, though everything takes place during a dinner scene.

Here is where the subtlety of Frank Herbert is best witnessed; the plans within plans; the double meanings; the traps; and seductions that are being set for all members who are present.

I would like to see how you would analyze what is going on here. There are many inter-relationships to be aware of, from Dr. Kynes; Duke Leto; Lady Jessica; Lingar Bewt; Esmar Tuek (the smuggler); Paul and others.

Pick one particular conversation in this scene and write about its significance to the story.

The Betrayal

A million deaths were not enough for Yueh. -from "A Child's History of Muad'Dib" by the Princess Irulan

The betrayal of Duke Leto Atreides was as intricate a plan as something we might see in a James Bond film. Do you feel like you understand the “plans within plans” that Piter developed for the Harkonnen plan? It goes well beyond just finding a person who will betray them.

Discuss how the Harkonnens sowed the seeds of confusion and distrust throughout the House Atreides. Who specifically was involved and what roles did they play in the downfall of their own house?

The Escape

Paul must take a large leap in his development during his escape with his mother into the desert. Very quickly they must both learn to behave as desert creatures. What are some signs that they are beginning to figure this out? What are some signs that they still have a long way to go before they have completely figured it out?

What does Paul learn of the involvement the emperor plays in his family’s destruction?

The amount of stress Paul is under forces his mind to move very quickly. What are some revelations that Paul figures out based on the stress of his situation? Does Jessica believe that he is the Kwisatz Haderach? What does Paul think?

The Mahdi

What are some signs that Paul is the Messiah that the Fremen have been waiting for? I’m looking for direct quotes and events from the book.

Book II discussion

Emperor Angry

So Book II begins with a quote by Princess Irulan writing about her father. The very first line reads:

"When my father, the Padishah Emperor, heard of Duke Leto's death and the manner of it, he went into such a rage as we had never before seen..."

My question for discussion is, why? The Emperor was in on the plan and even lent legions of his own troops to ensure its success. Why was he so enraged? Why did he blame those around him?

Hawat's Communication Barrier

One of the most important sections of the book is the scene in which Thufir Hawat, the Atreides Mentat, is stuck in a cave with wounded men and a band of Fremen warriors. This characterizes the Fremen before we get to see what Paul and his mother are in for.

Not only is this part of the brilliance of Frank Herbert, it is everything a good writer does. They show and don't tell you what they want you to know and figure out. He could've simply written a description about the Fremen, but he lets you figure it out on your own. Enough about that, let's get back to the Fremen:

Pages 207-218, I leave it to you...post excerpts from the text of these pages that characterize the Fremen. After you quote the book, describe what this tells you about the Fremen (I'll be watching...)

Notes on Book II pages 203-241
Page 221: And she had not missed the reference to him as Liet. Liet was the Fremen alter ego, the other face of the tame planetologist.

On page 85, Liet is referred to as a local deity. Jessica and Paul at this point may realize the power of the Missionaria Protectiva and how powerful religion is to the Fremen and how they might be able to manipulate events to improve their situation.

Starting on page 233 start thinking about how the Harkonnens manipulate Hawat to improve their own situation.

Page 235: If I give him freedom to do it, he'll grind over everything in his path. Oh, how he'll be hated here on Arrakis!

This will make Arrakis an even harsher place to survive. There will be much more to say on this later.

The Baron doesn't know what he's getting into here. His plans my also upset the Emperor as the Atreides worried him.

One question for you to consider is how the Baron's plan for Feyd-Rautha parallels Paul's own path on Arrakis.