full title Dune
author Frank Herbert
type of work Novel
genre Science fiction, fantasy
language English
time and place written America, early 1960s
date of first publication 1965
publisher Chilton Books
narrator The third-person narrator is omniscient and anonymous.
Some of the novel’s main characters narrate their own feelings or emotions
at different points throughout the book.
point of view The narrator maintains a third-person perspective through
most of the novel. The narrator is omniscient and provides insight
into the thoughts and plans of certain characters while also giving clues
to the novel’s social, cultural, and political background. The narration
sometimes switches to first-person to reveal specific characters’
inner feelings and motivations.
tone The tone is fairly ominous and resigned. A feeling
of melancholy pervades the presentation of some characters, particularly
Paul. The narrator communicates an overwhelming sense that fate
is immutable and that the characters are powerless to change events
as they unfold.
tense Immediate past, real-time narration
setting (time) The future: 10,191
setting (place) Arrakis, a desert planet
protagonist Paul Atreides
major conflict The Harkonnens, led by Baron Harkonnen, want to overthrow the
emperor by taking over the melange supply on Arrakis. Paul, from
the opposing house of Atreides, works with the Fremen to secure
Arrakis and the universe from the greedy Harkonnens.
rising action The Harkonnens kill Duke Leto and obliterate the Atreides. Baron
Harkonnen uses the emperor’s soldiers to attempt to take control
of Arrakis and the melange supply while killing Kynes and Paul’s
son.
climax Paul and the Fremen succeed in defeating the forces
of the emperor and the Harkonnens that are invading Arrakis; Alia kills
Baron Harkonnen.
falling action Paul arranges a marriage between himself and Princess
Irulan, thus securing the imperial throne.
themes Religion and power; human control over ecology
motifs Inheritance and nepotism; precognition; loyalty; fanaticism
symbols melange; water
foreshadowing Dune contains many instances of foreshadowing.
Paul is constantly foreseeing events, often long before they occur:
Paul’s dream in which he is called Usul; Paul’s vision of a jihad.
Also, Reverend Mother Mohiam’s warning that Duke Leto will die on Arrakis.
