Dune: Part 1 (Dune)

[Jeff]

Discuss through the first part of Dune here.

[David]

I think I'm getting the political conflict, but it is not all totally clear to me. I'm not sure if I missed it or if it's just not all revealed yet.

I think I get the Baron's plan. They've been stock piling melange for a long time and now they want to control the market. I'm not exactly sure if there is already an existing conflict between the houses (Atreides and Harkonnen) or if the Baron is just using the Duke because he thinks he's a good pawn.

So, that's my first question. Why the Duke and how did the Baron get the Emperor to make it look like it was the Emperor's decision?

Then it looks like the Baron is luring in the Duke with the false idea that the Atreides will control Arrakis for a while. Does the control of Arrakis change every so often? Like why would the Emperor move the Atreides to Arrakis?

Then the Baron is going to distract the Duke's family mentat, use Jessica for something, then march in a couple of troops of Sardaukars and destroy the Atreides.

But why, again? I don't think it's as much about destroying the Atreides as it is maybe hampering/stopping the mining of melange so the price on the Harkonnen stockpile goes through the roof.

So, I think I'm getting it (most of it, at least).

[Jeff]

"They've been stock piling melange for a long time and now they want to control the market. I'm not exactly sure if there is already an existing conflict between the houses (Atreides and Harkonnen) or if the Baron is just using the Duke because he thinks he's a good pawn."

Harkonnen and Atreides have a standing fued... explained so far in a single line about Atreides getting a Harkonnen (an upjumped non-noble line) executed for cowardice at the Battle of Corin. There's also a line from leto once they reach Arrakis, about the Emperor also stockpiling melange. Wheels within wheels. Not all the reasons are clear as yet.

[David]

Fantastic.

[David]

Moving along. I should finish Part 1 tonight. I do enjoy it. I hear what Stat is saying that the sexual politics are dated, but it doesn't bother me. It's misogynistic but it's a product of its time (pre-fem '60s) and it's about a patriarchal society. So, I don't think the sexism is awesome. But it doesn't bother me.

I like the characters though they are fairly flat. I don't expect any of them to have a come-to-jesus or any sort of dynamic arc. But it's not character driven. It's not even really that plot driven. It's strangely setting driven. Maybe that is somewhat common in the genre (remember my exposure to good sci-fi is very low).

I will say that it's been a long time since a book has called to me all day like this one does. All day I think, I can't wait to get the kids in bed and get in my chair and go back to Arrakis. Tonight is my normal game night and I'm a little bit sick, but okay enough to sanitize my hands and go play. But I'm thinking about just cranking out more of Dune.

[Jason]

I'm still working slowly through Part 1. I find that I'm spending more time reading other books instead of Dune. Maybe it's because this is a reread.