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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
Book 1, Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
The Bene Gesserit view human beings without mental powers as animals, a separate species to degrade. This attitude pervades the entire book as a form of motif, manifesting in quotations like the one below, from Book 1, Part 1:
“A duke’s son must know about poisons,” she said. [...] "Here’s a new one for you: the gom jabbar. It kills only animals.” Pride overcame Paul’s fear. “You dare suggest a duke’s son is an animal?” he demanded.
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Explanation and Analysis—Bene Gesserit Eugenics:
Throughout Dune, the language and ideologies of eugenic science emerge as a motif. The world of Dune is organized according to genetic output, artificially engineered by the Bene Gesserit. The breeding program the Bene Gesserit promote, mentioned in the following quotation from Book 1, Part 1, aligns closely with Nazi ideology about breeding only those who can create a fictional "superior human race."
Unlock with LitCharts A+"The original Bene Gesserit school was directed by those who saw the need of a thread of continuity in human affairs. They saw there could be no such continuity without separating human stock from animal stock—for breeding purposes.”
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Explanation and Analysis—Feudalism:
An anachronistic kind of futuristic medieval feudalism exists in Dune, emerging as a motif throughout the novel. While the novel is set in humanity's far future—to the point that some humans have even evolved new mental abilities—its structures of governance and human relation are distinctly feudal in nature.
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Related Themes:
Book 1, Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Excess Consumption:
Excess consumption serves as a motif throughout Dune to emphasize the gluttony and greed of Baron Harkonnen and many of his high class peers. Note the following example from Book 1, Part 2:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The Baron moved out and away from the globe of Arrakis. As he emerged from the shadows, his figure took on dimension—grossly and immensely fat. And with subtle bulges beneath folds of his dark robes to reveal that all this fat was sustained partly by portable suspensors harnessed to his flesh. He might weigh two hundred Standard kilos in actuality, but his feet would carry no more than fifty of them.
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Book 1, Part 13
Explanation and Analysis—Christianity and Islam:
Throughout Dune, Christian and Islamic concepts, imagery, and language emerge as motifs, shaping not only the landscape of Herbert's universe but also the central narrative surrounding the Lisan Al-gaib. Even the term "Lisan Al-gaib" takes clear influence from the Arabic language.
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Book 1, Part 20
Explanation and Analysis—Roast:
In the following excerpt from Book 1, Part 20, a Sardaukar discusses Leto's capture with Dr. Yueh. The man utilizes simile to craft a consumption-centric image of the duke's capture:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Yueh glanced at Leto. “What about….”
“He’ll be delivered to the Baron all properly trussed like a roast for the oven.”
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