Discussion: Dune / Chapters 1 and 2

[John]

Hi Everyone! I'm kicking off the discussion for Dune.

The chapters do not seem to be numbered, which could present a little confusion, so I'll clarify with an overview of events:

Chapter 1
- Introduction to the House Atredies
- Paul's testing with the Gom Jabbar
Chapter 2
- Baron Harkkonen's evil scheme is unveiled

I'm sure we won't have to start a new thread just for every couple of chapters, but the book is diving right into the political intrigue, so I wanted to make sure I start on solid footing... I'll probably need these discussions just to keep everything straight in my head :D

So! One of the first things I wondered in Chapter 1 was whether this universe is actually a far-future version of our own solar system? The Reverend Mother mentioned "Ancients" who created machines to think for them, and that this was their downfall. Could Arrakis be Mars, and Caladan Earth? Or vice versa? Or is this more of a "Star Wars" type scenario, where we're meant to assume that this civilization evolved separately from ours?

In Chapter 2, things start to get pretty hairy already. The Baron is bringing his nephew (Feyd, I think) into the fold of his plans. He is giving up control of Arrakis to Duke Leto in order to orchestrate the latter's downfall. He plans to create suspicion that the Lady Jessica is a traitor, when actually the real traitor is Paul's teacher, Doctor (Something - forget his name). I might have to do another readthrough in order to grasp the finer details of the Baron's plan - I'm pretty sure there was some stuff about the Emperor in there too.

Other ideas we were introduced to in this section:

The Bene Gesserit: Seems like an ancient order of nuns/female monks with dealings in politics. Possibly also deal in eugenics? The reverend mother seemed to imply something about selective breeding of their members.

The Spacing Guild: another ancient organization, dealing with space travel apparently. Didn't learn much about them, except that the Reverend Mother doesn't care for them much.

Mentats: some kind of android/cyborg race of assassins? Very intriguing. Seem very badass. Duke Leto and the Baron both have one in their employ.

Kwisatz Haderach: Bene Gesserit hero figure? Seems like your basic "chosen one" idea. Someone who can see the truth. Most likely Paul.

The Great Revolt: Apparently when the ancient "Thinking machines" were destroyed?

Anything I missed? I'm Looking forward to reading anyone else's thoughts/observations!

[Antonis]

I pretty much arrived at the same conclusions as you. Things become a little clearer in subsequent chapters of course (I'm at page 54 or 10%). The only thing I'm not so sure about are the Mentats but I suppose it will become clearer soon enough. (There's also a drug in the Fallout game series called Mentats! :p )

In general I think the plot is very interesting but something bothers me a little about Herbert's writing style or it could be the editing is not up to today's standards. I just get the feeling while reading that the general pace but also the in-chapter pace as well (I hope you understand what I mean) is quite uneven.

[John]

LOL - yeah, I'm a slow reader...it will probably take me the full month to finish this.

I'm glad I went back and reread it though -- I had totally missed the fact that the Harkonnens are basically working for the Emperor! Kind of a vital point there...so now the major question is, why does the Emperor have it out for Leto? Also, why are the Atredies enemies with the Harkonnens in the first place?

[Roger, Knight Radiant]

It's so tempting to just answer all your guys questions since I've finished this book, and pretty much every Dune book that is written, but I will refrain since I don't want to ruin it. :) (I know I'm not adding to the discussion but if I didn't post something I would burst :) )

[John]

I will refrain since I don't want to ruin it. :)

And we thank you for that! :)

I am about 10% in now and totally loving it. It's funny, I remember trying to read this when I was younger (like, 17 years ago) and I could not get into it at all. I kind of hated it. :D

[Roger, Knight Radiant]

I read this when I was in my early 20s and enjoyed but it was really hard to follow. I had to read it several times until I grasped the complexity of it all.