Week 10: Narratives from the Multi-verse

"Dune" 

Frank Herbert

Dune is a literary work that was written in 1965, depicting a future where many planets are habitable, where there is controlled breeding, and where humans are trained to be equipped with advanced intelligence due to their lack of technology. The book touches on some very interesting themes like power (or control of the Fremen), religion (Specifically with the Bene Gesserit), ecology (the desert), technology, and human emotion, all subjects our society at this time, and in this reality, deals with. Ultimately, it emphasizes the control humans have over their environment and their lifestyles, often times resulting in a negative outcome. Political themes in Dune include human beings being so susceptible to mass manipulation by political propaganda, religious principles, and the importance of self-awareness and self-mastery in resisting these types of control. Much like our society and many others today, religion and politics have very little separation. Both have served an equal amount of destruction as they have helped, especially when both are combined with greed and desperation. If human beings fight the natural order of life, whether through the environment or genetics, Herbert suggests, the results can be catastrophic, perhaps not in the present day, but further into the future.

Painting by Sparth

For example, the "Spice", a naturally produced awareness spectrum narcotic, improve mental capacity and abilities, but it improves health and extends life. It not only formed a fundamental block of commerce and technological development in the universe, but also  played an important role in travel and cultural development. It rules everything around them, and they have become so dependent on the power it provides for them, their lives are completely revolved around it. Like money, or a god, or drugs, they provide power and give one the feeling of superiority and purpose, but when they are in that state of power, they forget the potential consequences of such a lifestyle. In the end, Paul's attempt to save the planet by ending all mining and production of the "spice", and reintroducing the Water of Life, in turn takes us back to the them of control. In Paul's salvation of this planet with the Water of life, he is forced to control it. 

"I am showing you the superhero syndrome and your own participation in it".

—Frank Herbert

 I read most of the book in high school, and had never seen the film until it played in our class, but I understand how and why this was such a highly acclaimed and respected novel. Though the film adaptation was not what I had expected, I was thoroughly impressed and entertained with the visual approach. Revisiting it as an adult, I see that it raises the question of whether humans should exercise their power to manipulate the environment, and just because we can, with or without technology or advanced intelligence, is it right? And once it has gone too far, is there any way of escaping or salvaging it?  

Illustration by Danielle Otrakji - 

(I did this piece for a comic revolved around the subject of mutation and genetic modification. This specific image depicts a german scientist observing genetically modified/manipulated subjects, in hopes of creating a new race of superior beings with extraordinary abilities).