One thing that stuck out early is how much Star Wars took from it. Very immediately, the desert planet setting, the idea of a chosen one, the emperor, etc but really what got me is that Paul has such a more interesting struggle with evil than Luke does. Paul sees a future where he leads a holy war that kills a whole lot of people, where as Luke just vaguely struggles with the Dark Side, the ends arent really explored, its just the process that matters (Luke is a lib).
Anyways, sick book. Loved it, will read the sequel. Hoping to get more of the 4 year old girl with multiple intelligences, very sick.
The best part of Dune is Paul's struggle with a promised future. He sees it coming, tries desperately to stop it, is driven mad by all the death he knows is coming, and yet despite his best efforts he cannot stop it. You can read that as an allegory for climate change very easily, and I'm surprised I don't see this take more often. The dread is just palpable, and really well done.
Youre right! Honestly hadnt even made the comparison.
Historical materialism vs great man theory.
Yeah exactly. Dune is a very materialist account of historical development at times, and I find it's an easy way to help people understand historical materialism.