1. What is your reaction to finally learning the identity of Princess Irulan? Do you think that her convention added to the story?
I did not react when it was revealed because I already know that Princess Irulan is the eldest child of the emperor. I have read about her in the prequel: House Corrino. In fact, I remember that Irulan encountered the baby Paul when she witnessed how her mother died protecting him when he was kidnapped by Piter several days after his birth.
Yes, I believe that her convention added questions on how the story will continue. Paul and Chani are mates, but the official mate of Paul is Irulan, his wife. I wonder how that will turn out.
2. Were you satisfied with the ending? For those reading for the first time, was it what you expected?
I was not satisfied with the ending. I was dismayed when I saw the word "APPENDIXES" on the next page. I was expecting more to happen! Though I knew that Paul will become the emperor and defeat the Harkonnens, I feel that Frank could have added more flavor to the ending. I guess Frank did this because he wanted the readers to have questions to discuss with one another after reading the story.
3. On both Arrakis and Salusa Secundus, ecology plays a major role in shaping both characters and the story itself. Was this convincing? Do you think that Paul would have gone through with his threat to destroy the spice, knowing what it would mean for Arrakis?
Yes, both are convincing. In my opinion, ecology is a major factor on how people live. While I was reading the discussion of Thufir and the Baron regarding the Sardaukar and Salusa Secundus, The thought of real people who have adapted to dire environments struck me.
I do not believe that Paul will destroy the spice. The Fremen cannot live without the spice. Famine will strike Arrakis. Migration is their last option.
4. Both Leto and Paul made their decisions on marriage for political reasons. Do you agree with their choices?
I do not agree with what Leto had done because he both loved Jessica and Paul. Why did he even bother to bring Paul up as a perfect ducal heir? Did he not foresee that if he marries another woman then Paul will not be his successor to the ducal throne? He should have married Jessica if he was planning Paul to become his heir.
On the other hand, Paul’s decision to marry Irulan is agreeable. He needs the throne and Irulan is no doubt his “key” to take hold of the Golden Lion Throne. I also agree that maintaining Chani as a concubine is appropriate. Paul must do so not only because he loves Chani but also because of the Fremen.
5. What was your favorite part in this section of the book?
My favorite part of the book is the part where the Fremen devised a plan to destroy the shield wall so that the storm may enter and force the Harkonnen Forces to succumb. To me it is a fascinating scene. I wonder how it was depicted in the classic Dune cinematization - a good depiction of Duke Leto's coined term, "Desert Power."
6. One of the things I noticed in the discussions last week was Herbert’s use of the word “Jihad.” What do you think of Herbert’s message about religion and politics?
“Jihad” is defined by the dictionary as a holy war usually waged on behalf of Islam. However, in my opinion, it may be waged on behalf of other religions as well. Frank’s message could be religious fanaticism may have good and bad effects. Another message is that these two factors are inseparable. In fact, in the story, the two were fused when Muad’Dib became the leader of the Fremen. They worshipped him and they obeyed him as someone who is “more than a man but is less than a god.”
*Finally, I have finished reading Dune but I feel that I will learn more things if I read it again. I will do that in the future but not now because I cannot wait to read "Paul of Dune."