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Motifs
Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Book 2, Part 8
Explanation and Analysis—Hero:
The following example of paradox occurs in Book 2, Part 8. Liet-Kynes hallucinates his father, who alludes indirectly to Paul Atreides:
“No more terrible disaster could befall your people than for them to fall into the hands of a Hero” his father said.
Liet-Kynes's father states, rather paradoxically, that the worst disaster for the Fremen will come in the form of their savior. He refers abstractly to a "Hero," but Paul Atreides's name is all but referenced. This is a strange sentiment indeed: one would think that a hero would be a boon, rather than a disaster—and the Fremen could certainly use a savior of some kind, given their treatment at the hands of the Harkonnens and the Emperor. A hero is not always to the benefit of a society, however. Liet-Kynes challenges the moral goodness of a hero/savior in the abstract. A hero may lead a society out of darkness and suffering; but a hero may quickly turn into a tyrant. Given ultimate power over a group of people, one may choose to save and help one's people—or ruin them.
This passage also serves as a kind of foreshadowing, looking ahead into Paul's future as the Muad'Dib and ruler of the Dune universe.
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