Previous
Mood
Definition of Motif
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Religious Language:
Throughout Dune Messiah, Herbert continues the frequent use of religious language as motif, extending the motif used in Dune. He particularly focuses on Islam as a scaffold religion for that of the Fremen and the Muad'Dib, using words like jihad to refer to Paul's holy war.
Related Themes:
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—History and Storytelling:
Throughout Dune Messiah, the process of telling and creating history is featured as a prominent motif. The Bene Gesserit seek to shape history through the process of breeding and eugenics. Princess Irulan shapes history through the process of writing it out, defining the myth of the Muad'Dib.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—Eugenics and Breeding:
Continuing in the same vein as the original novel, Dune, Dune Messiah centrally features the concepts of eugenics and breeding as motif.
Note the following example of this motif, from Chapter 7:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Damn such stupidity! the Reverend Mother raged. Who knew what suppressions and genetic entanglements Chani might introduce from her wild Fremen strain? The Sisterhood must have only the pure line! And an heir would renew Paul’s ambitions, spur him to new efforts in consolidating his Empire. The conspiracy could not afford such a setback.
Related Themes:
Chapter 15
Explanation and Analysis—Patterns of Behavior:
Throughout the novel, characters reflect on pattern, cycle, and repetition as a kind of motif. The Bene Gesserit attempt to discern the patterns of time, genetics, and the universe; Paul feels himself trapped in this pattern, yet is hopeless to escape its thrall.
Note the following observation from Chapter 15, a reflection on this motif:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“[Paul] was a creature who had developed firmly into one pattern. He’d destroy himself before changing into the opposite of that pattern. That had been the way with the Tleilaxu kwisatz haderach. It’d be the way with this one. And then…the ghola.”
Related Themes:
