Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Dune, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Power and Violence
Free Will and Fate
Environment and Human Culture
Human Cognitive Advances
Summary
Analysis
The epigraph from Princess Irulan’s text “Muad’Dib: Family Commentaries” suggests that Duke Leto Atreides did not walk naively into danger on Arrakis. Rather, it is likely he lived with danger all his life and misjudged the intensity of this situation; or alternatively, that he persevered with governing Arrakis in order to sacrifice himself for his son Paul’s prosperity.
Princess Irulan’s commentary plays into the theme that power always attracts violence—despite his honorable character, the Duke has been dodging danger throughout his life.
Themes
Duke Leto Atreides is rattled to learn that there has been a sophisticated attempt on Paul’s life. Standing in a tower above the Arrakeen landing field, he considers his situation. He knows that gaining the Fremen as allies is crucial to evading Harkonnen attacks. Throughout his reflections, he repeats the thought “They have tried to take the life of my son!”
Although Duke Leto is accustomed to dodging danger in his role as Head of House Atreides, he is appalled that his son is now being targeted. Normally a man of calm discipline, his horror is evident in the refrain that keeps interrupting his thoughts.
Themes
Leto meets a number of his men in his temporary ducal command post in the tower. He tasks Gurney Halleck with assigning extra men to support Thufir Hawat in eradicating Harkonnen agents on Arrakis. He also charges Halleck with persuading some of the 800 spice hunters who are about to leave Arrakis to remain and work for House Atreides.
Despite his fear for his family, Leto is still able to lead his men in arranging to take advantage of the valuable Arrakeen spice crops. However, because of the impending Harkonnen attacks, it seems that Leto is betting on a future for Paul rather than for himself.
Themes
Out of sight of his men, Leto can relax slightly, but reminds himself he must always portray confident leadership. He is again plagued by the thought that “They have tried to take the life of my son!”
Once again, the narrator uses Leto’s character and repeated worries for Paul to demonstrate the danger of their political rule and general well-being in Arrakis.
Themes
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