Blog Post #5

Topic D
May 15, 2015
by Annie Murphy

An important motif in Dune is how human life is treated by the main characters. Duke Leto taught Paul while he was still alive the moral code of the house of Atreides. That moral code is based around treating human life with respect. When Paul kills someone for the first time, he is extremely remorseful and only kills him because he has to. Paul reminds his friend, Gurney about their moral code before the battle against the Emporer's forces, saying that how they treat others as people instead of pawns is what seperates then from their enemies, the house Harkonnen. The Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and his nephew, Feyd-Rautha don't hesitate to kill in order to better themselves and become more powerful. Even the Emporer is willing to kill all of the Fremen is it means stopping an inconvenient revolt in Arrakis which prevented them from getting the spice which they are dependent on financially, but also addicted to. Paul ultimately defeats these enemies by exploiting weaknesses like their distrust and lack of respect for others.

Blog Post 5

Amanda Modelski
5-17-15
English Blog Topic C
Blog 5



During Dune, Jessica and Paul's relationship changes very quickly in a matter of days.  Before running away into the desert, Paul and Jessica had a very calm, almost normal mother-and-son relationship.  Paul was taught by her in the Bene Gesserat way, only bothering with "the mind-body lessons his mother had taught him" (pg 7) and other aspects of his training.  He didn't question anything about it; he had no idea what he was or the burden that would fall on his shoulders.   Jessica hadn't bothered to explain anything to her son about his potential future, and when it all came crashing down, it completely changed their dynamic.  After running away into the desert, Paul becomes more aware of his messiah status and his powers.  He is understandably upset that his mother hadn't told him of this, and blames her for making him the way she did.  They also mourn the death of the Duke together, and are emotionally vulnerable from the events that have happened.  The desert in this way acts as an equalizer for both Paul and Jessica, bringing both of them to each other's level and, even though they argue, it helps them understand each other better where there might have been confusion or nothing at all before.

Sandstorm of Feelings

~Blog Post #4~

Topic E

May 8, 2015

By: Andrew Pono

In Book 2 of Dune, when Paul is operating the 'thopter in the desert sandstorm, it brings on a feeling of turbulence and uncertainty.  This setting gives a view of Paul starting to question his mother and also allows him to mature a bit more in all the craziness.  Even though there's a chance that he and his mother will die, he's still calm, remembering his training about fear, as I talked about in my first blog.  Paul's relationship with his mother also starts to have cracks in it.  He doesn't seem to trust her as much and yells at her for things she has no power over.  The sandstorm is a maelstrom filled with whirling sand, and Paul's emotions while flying through it are personified through the chaos of it all.  

Blog Post 4

Amanda Modelski
5-9-15
English Blog Topic C
Blog 3

While Piter de Vries may not be the most reoccurring character in Dune, or the longest-lasting, he played a vital role that helped key plot points in the novel.  Once such case is the fact that Piter was the main assassin of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.  He also created the plan to destroy the Atredies House and worked to restore the Baron Harkonnaen's stewardship of Arrakis. To start the fight against the Atredies, he invented a deadly, gradual "residual" poison that killed Thurfir Hawat, the Mentat of the rival house.  Piter was a Mentat himself, a person who is mentally like a computer.  However, he was twisted, meaning that he was both sadistic and amoral, "trained and conditioned to perform certain duties" such as torture (pg 28).  He tortured the Doctor Yueh into betraying the House Atredies, which indirectly led to his death when Yueh planted the poison tooth in Leto's mouth.  If Piter had lived, he would have been governor of Arrakis, having chosen the position over the possession of Lady Jessica, and may have brought victory to the House Harkonnen.

Blog Post 4

Topic C

May 7, 2015

The relationship between Paul, the hero of Dune, and his mother, Jessica evolves to become deeply complicated as the plot moves forward. As Paul gains independence and accepts his role as the leader of his family and a hero to the Fremen. Paul's initial rage at his mother after the death of his father for turning her son into a warrior remains throughout the book, but Paul still fosters resentment over making him who he is, and what he has to do because of it. He thinks to himself that his own mother is his enemy for setting in motion the chain of events that he must complete because of his role in the prophesies. Soon after, Paul meets and eventually marries Chani, a Freman girl who Jessica is very wary of. There is a sense in the book that Chani takes over Jessica's protective duties over Paul and distances the mother and son more. Paul and Jessica's relationship near the end of the book is far from their closeness at the beginning.

Blog 3

Amanda Modelski
5-2-15
English Blog
Blog 3


A subject that was brought up in Dune's second book was the will to survive.  When Jessica and Paul are in the desert, Jessica says to herself "this world has emptied me of all but the oldest purpose: tomorrow's life".  In this scene, a more dramatic atmosphere is being laid down, and the characters are truly exposed to the harshness of the desert of Dune.  Paul and Jessica have been living comfortable lives in their palace while all of the citizens of Arrakis suffer, and are now getting to experience the daily struggle of survival that the Fremen and other desert peoples face each day.  This is not only an intense experience for Paul and Jessica, but it is relatable to the average reader in both modern day and in the time it was written.   While the reader most likely is not royalty in exile experiencing the desert landscape firsthand, it can be shocking to see and read about the conditions of living in the Middle Eastern and similar desert climate.  When learning about the life in such areas, we can more greatly appreciate the will and survival of the creatures and people in that habitat, just as Paul and Jessica experience in Dune.

Yes, Sire

~Blog Post #3~

Topic C

May 1, 2015

By: Andrew Pono

In the beginning of Book II in Dune, Paul and Kynes negotiate and come up with a blackmail plan to remove the Emperor from power.  If the Emperor refused to give up his seat, Paul and Kynes would give information saying that the Emperor got help from the Sardaukar to try to destroy the Atreides, causing a united riot against him anyway.  At first Kynes and Paul argued with each other: Kynes not trusting Paul since he's still young, and Paul trying to use bribery of making Arrakis lush to gain Kynes' loyalty.  At the end however, Paul gains Kynes' loyalty by pledging his own in return.  The relationship between Paul and Kynes was in conflict since they both didn't trust each other, but grew in the end after pledging their loyalty to one another.  The only thing that made the two trust each other was that Paul admitted wrongdoing, something unusual for a Harkonnen, and made a solemn promise, something very sincere and true from the Atreides.  This relationship is significant because both Paul and Kynes are both leaders of their respective groups, and they need to work together in order to overthrow the Emperor.  Both Paul and Kynes want the Emperor to be out of power, so they had to come up with some solution to be able to work together, and pledging loyalty to one another worked flawlessly.  

Discussion 4 Notes (Amanda Modelski)

1. Could the sandworms be a symbol for greedy countries/groups of people?
--They have their own territories
--They gravitate towards spice (which is an assumed oil symbol)
--Not easily destroyed, it is expensive to dispose of them
Side note:  Sandworms are ridden with hooks.  It would only be advisable to hitch a ride on a sandworm if you were in a hurry, because it would be dangerous.

2.  Kynes is a favorite character so far in the book
--He speaks for the people
--He is intelligent not only about Dune, but about the religion as well
--He has the title 'liet' which may be a secret religious title of some sort?
--Prediction: he will survive his time alone in the desert

3.  The second book is picking up in several ways
--There is more suspense and action
--There is more imagery of the Middle East
--It is beginning to be reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings, or an epic

4.  Could the unborn sister be a symbol for Ishmael?
--Jessica is most likely going to give birth in the desert like Hagar
--She was sent away in a similar fashion
--She is also a concubine
--Ishmael had a brother
--Ishmael went on to start the Islamic faith, which is common in the Middle East and had its origins there

5.  How do eyes turn blue?
--Eyes turn blue because of spice intake
--People get addicted to eating spice
--Could spice be a symbol for drugs as well?

Blog Post #3

Topic B

April 29, 2015

by Annie Murphy

Paul Atreides, the hero of Dune, changes drastically during the second book. After his father, the Duke, dies, Paul has to quickly step into his role as the leader of the family. Also, he fully accepts his Bene Gesserit training as he is forced to guide his mother through a desert he is completely unfamiliar with, full of dangerous creatures and people who want to kill them.  Paul, despite only being fifteen, is regarded even in the beginning of the book as a boy who acts like a grown man. As the book progresses, he is forced to become even more mature in how he deals with people. He begins commanding the men his father used to lead. He picks up where his father left off in his diplomatic relationships and politics. Also, while Paul is growing up and taking leadership upon himself, he struggles with his relationship with his mother. He blames her for many of his problems that she really couldn't prevent. Becoming resentful of his parents while gaining more responsibility is common to a person his age, despite the strange setting of the novel and the circumstances Paul is in. Paul Atreides evolves adeptly, but naturally in the second book of Dune.

Discussion Notes #3

Beginning of the Second Book

1. the still suits and technology are developing more
2. Religion and technology is combined through the Fremen specifically 

-Many other links to religion because of the Fremen spirituality and Bene Gesserit beliefs

3. Paul could be a Jesus or Muhammad figure

- Jessica could be a Mary figure

-Who would the Baron Harkonnen with the possible Islam connection? 

4. People in the world of the novel all have respect for religion, even if they do not share the beliefs of the Fremen

- Some fear the Bene Gesserit

- Most on Arrakis know all about the beliefs of the Fremen because of the hope of a savior or Muad'Dib

5. Spice comes from the ground, like oil does.

-supports the connections in the novel to the Middle East. 

6. Paul's characterization gets more complicated as the novel progresses

-Paul steps into his role as Duke by acting older than he is.

-He is possibly both Bene Gesserit and Mentat, which would explain his savior status among the people

7. Paul has the opportunity to bring about unity through this combination and the joining of religion and technology, and Harkonnens and Atreides

8. It is difficult to see what the novel is leading up to

-possibly killing his grandfather, Baron Harkonnen

9. Being truly human in the world of Dune is dangerous but could also bring about peace through Paul. 

Blog Post #2

Franklin Herbert makes numerous biblical references in Dune, whether it is implying about a Garden of Eden or Paul being representative of the Messiah. However there are even biblical references in how his characters think. After Hawat allowed an area to be compromised, the Duke repeats "They tried to kill my son!" three times. Three is considered to be holy, as it is the number of the Holy Trinity. Also, Jesus rose on the third day after his death. The reference to attempts on his son's life as well as an allusion to the Holy Trinity may imply that Paul's father may end up being a representation of God the Father, just as Paul seems to be an allusion to Jesus the son. Also, it follows that a third character or theme may end up representing the Holy Spirit.

Blog Post #1

In the beginning of Dune, Paul is tested by the Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam of the Bene Gesserit ( which literally translates from latin as "well carried") to see whether or not he is human. His mother also recieved the same test when she was younger. The test, which involves putting his right hand into a metal box and enduring the pain without pulling away like an animal would, is a literal trial by fire. He physically feels "[his] hand immersed in agony," (Herbert, 9) as Gaius Helen watches with a poison needle poised to pierce his neck if he flinches or moves to escape. It seems like their religion requires a strong distinction to be made between human and animal, even though Paul is very clearly human.

The Garden of Dune

~Blog Post #2~

Topic G

April 24, 2015

By: Andrew Pono

     When Jessica finds an air lock door, she goes through to find a hidden garden, filled with exotic plants and flowing water.  A garden filled with plants and flowers in a desert planet is unheard of.  Water, that could be used to help people who are thirsty or dying, just being used for the plants.  A little sanctuary of life in the middle of a dust planet represents the Garden of Eden, found in the book of Genesis from the Bible.  It exists literally as a garden in a dust planet, and figuratively as a source of life surrounded by death.  The Garden of Eden is where Adam and Eve resided before being kicked out, a peaceful haven filled with all sorts of plants and animals.  It's the image of Earth in perfection.  The Garden of Dune is what the planet Arrakis would look like if the Fremen were to change it.  The Garden of Eden was the sole primary source of life on Earth, the outside barren.  The Garden of Dune is a symbol of the Garden of Eden since it too is surrounded by barren land, filled with dust and sand.

Blog Post #2

Topic D
April 23, 2015
by Annie Murphy

Throughout the first book of Dune, the theme of humanity is vital to understanding the universe the book is set in. In the very beginning, the Mother Superior of the Bene Gesserit tests Paul to make sure he is human. Other non-human people in the story, the Mentat, are closer to computers or robots than humans. Among the strange, otherworldly cruelty with political motives that seem to be borrowed from centuries past, Paul and Jessica must rely on their humanity that they learned in their Bene Gesserit training. The Bene Gesserit are trained to read people's emotions and understand pain, unlike the Mentat that take in data to process it and use it to understand how to respond best. The Bene Gesserit represent the true humanity experienced in people's feelings, while the Mentat are simply machines. The world of Dune is based on the relationships between these two groups, not only the people in the groups themselves, but in Paul in the desert as he struggles to survive with the new responsibility of being Duke, his grief over his father's passing, and his acceptance of his identity as  Bene Gesserit, Mentat, and Harkonnen.

Blog 2

Amanda Modelski

4-23-15

English

Dune Blog 2

At the end of Book One in the novel Dune, the reader is more introduced to symbolism of the royal household and the people tied to it.  A secret greenhouse under the palace where the royal family is staying may be a symbol of the Garden of Eden.  The garden itself is made of heavy foliage and water, which is needed desperately on the planet.  Jessica may represent an Eve figure, and her discovering the garden may only allude to her potentially being cast out of it (the royal family, maybe) in the future.  However, Jessica herself may also represent Mary, as Paul is being identified as a messiah gives him a Jesus symbolism; Catholicism is present in the book's universe.  The precious monetary source spice is similar to the importance of oil on Earth, and can have even more resonance with today's readers than it did when Dune was published.  Paul is now the Duke, and the conflict of symbolism winds deeper leading into Book Two, which will give more insight into the true symbolic identities of the characters and locations.  

Discussion #2 Notes (Andrew Pono)

Lady Jessica finds a garden
• This may be a reference to the Garden of Eden
• The water may also be a reference to Catholicism, as the water is considered sacred

Paul may be a representation of Jesus
+ The Freman believe that he is the Messiah
  • It is possible that the Freman could represent either Islam of Judaism
- He is an easily dislikable character, and can appear self-centered and pompous


Paul's Father repeats "They tried to kill my son!" three times
• This could be a biblical allusion, referring to the Holy Trinity

The setting seems  to be an alternatively advanced civilization, but with older customs and some dated architectural designs

While reading, it was easy to imagine the natural surroundings as Tatooine, a desert planet from
Star Wars

Discussion #1 Notes (Amanda Modelski)

1. What are some of the connections to Islam in the Middle East?
There's a Bible in Dune that symbolizes the Bible in Islam.  There are different religious classes in Dune just as there are in Islam as well.  There are many teachings/customs in Dune's religion just like Islam.  The environment and climate is similar to the Middle East, as it is very desert-like and dry.

2. Characterize Paul and his relationship with his parents.
Paul is the son of the duke's concubine.  He was supposed to be a daughter, but since the duke wanted a son, his mother gave him a son instead.  He's closer to his mother since she taught him.  His father on the other hand is militaristic and seems cold.

3. What seem to be the "rules" of the world of "Dune"? (gov't structure, family life, etc)
The Government is based on a Monarchy.  The religion is very complex, with various names for their leaders and customs.  The Economy is based on resources such as "spice" and is run mainly through "CHOAM", a company that controls all affairs in Dune

4. Who is mother superior and what mood does she bring to the beginning of the story?
Mother Superior is the wise old woman who is a religious leader in Dune.  She tested Paul's mother just like she tested Paul.  She sets a very mysterious and mystical mood to the beginning of the story.

5. What does it mean to be the Muad'Dib?
To be the Muad'Dib, is to be the god in Dune, whose power can't be denied religiously.

6. What is the symbolism of the Orange Catholic Bible?
The symbolism is that it's a reference to the Catholic Bible.  It's the book of the Orthodox religion in Dune that preaches against machines that can think like a human.

7. Who is Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and what significance can be drawn from his name?
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is the planetary governor in Dune.  His name and title gives off a feeling of great power, as it is.

8. How do the passages by the Princess foreshadow?
The passages by the Princess foreshadow by giving descriptions of characters before reading about them, giving insight on what they'll be like.

9. Who is Dr. Yueh?
Dr. Yueh is the agent of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.

10. Describe Arrakeen
Arrakeen- a great city on the planet Arrakis; with natural bedrock foundation and protection via Shield Wall, it's protected from the Sand Worms

Blog Post 1

In Frank Herbert’s novel Dune, the reader is introduced to the main character, Paul, in the form of a test.  Paul’s humanity is being tested through a painful ordeal that requires enduring an extraordinary amount of pain from an unknown source in a box.  Already in the first few chapters of Dune, the reader is thrown headlong into a world that has to be learned and understood through experience reading and immersing themselves in the world.  In this way, the reader is similar to Paul, who is about to experience a new and foreign landscape on Arrakis.  Through the opening scenes as well, future symbolism is hinted at.  The meaning of humanity, fear of the unknown, the significance of family, and superstition are all suggested to be prevalent ideas throughout the novel.  

Fear Itself

~Blog Post #1~

Topic F

April 17, 2015

By: Andrew Pono

     In Frank Herbert's Dune, when Paul is being tested whether he's a human or not, he feels fear.  He has to put his hand into a box, and if he takes it out, he will be killed by the gom jabbar, a needle with deadly poison.  To calm himself down, he remembers a litany taught to him by his mother.  After reciting it in his mind, he calms down and readies himself for the test.  This passage describing how to overcome fear is significant because if Paul didn't find a way to calm himself down, he'd have panicked and gotten himself killed.  Paul coaching himself through the fear shows the correct process of how people should get over fear; Frank Herbert describes this as though the reader is there themselves, trying to calm themselves for the test.

Blog Post #1

Topic E

April 16, 2015

By Annie Murphy

            A universe filled with strange creatures and technologies, the world of Dune, in all of its complexities, starts at the home of the main character, Paul. Although the author wastes no time fully emerging the reader into the terminology and beliefs of several characters in the first few pages, Frank Herbert choses to show the reader Paul where he is comfortable right before he is taken somewhere in his families impending move that will make him uncomfortable, and possibly scare him. This setting is an important way to start the novel because it demonstrates a starting point for not only the plot but for the characters before they face serious conflict. Paul’s home is significant because there he shows confidence, strength, and knowledge, which he will probably have to prove he has throughout the plot of the novel. It is also significant because he and his parents are about to move to a new planet and face danger, as warned to them by the Mother Superior in her visit, which is described in the beginning of the story. His home is where Paul is safe, confident, and surrounded by people to take care of him, but, as he sees in one of his dreams, he will soon not have any of that. It is important for readers to see Paul in this element before seeing him tested and challenged later. Paul’s home is a symbol of comfort for his naïve self-confidence, which will likely be stripped away from him in coming conflict. 

Reading Reflection - Robert Andras

I feel that I use all of the labels, except for number seven. I often find that when I am reading, I focus more on the literal meaning, rather than being able to step back and observe my own reading process. I also find that when I am reading a casual book or if I'm just reading for fun, I am able to read much more quickly than if I am reading a scholarly article on the practical applications of the negative natural logarithm in calculus or even when I'm reading something that I would otherwise enjoy because I have to for school. When I am reading, I often try to guess what will happen next or try to look over what the character has done that might relate to what they are doing now. I think that this is one of the signs of a strong reader, however I also feel that I am unable to be truly critical of characters, which is a sign of a weak reader. After reading these documents, I think that I will start annotating and trying to keep a more highly sustained and critical view of the work that I am reading. I think that this might help me keep a more constant focus on my work rather than becoming more focused on what is going on around me. Although I did not usually annotate this year, I noticed that my quiz grades after I did annotate were noticeably higher than my quiz scores when I did not. I plan to annotate every chapter in Dune, rather than sporadically annotating every few chapters like I have done in the past.

Reading Article Reflection

I see myself as a very strong reader in terms of reading strategy and comprehension.  In eight grade, my English teacher taught me how to analyze, and I’ve learned how to identify symbolism through practice.  Due to this, I often do not annotate, as scrutinizing each chapter helps me retain information without marking pages.  If I am interested in the book, I will focus extremely intently while reading, spend time analyzing and thinking about it, and I will be open to discuss with others.  I greatly enjoy researching further into the book or source to help further my knowledge of the source I am reading, or if I do not understand something I will look it up so help myself understand.  I have read this way so much I cannot read an ‘easy’ book without heavily analyzing it.

I definitely fall under the category of revering literature without question.  I look at classic literature with high respect, and will always find some way to appreciate the book even if it is a difficult read or I don’t like it.  I have difficulty accepting any other point of view in that regard.  It is classic literature, it has earned its place, and I can’t feel anything other than reverent and appreciative of it.  

I have difficulty annotating within a book.  I don’t like writing on the pages; it makes me feel like I’m vandalizing, even if I own the book.  The only books I annotate are my personal history textbooks.  If I need to take notes, I will write on another piece of paper, but even then I don’t usually take notes.  Pausing to write things down interrupts with the flow of reading.  It didn’t affect my reading experience at all, so I will probably continue as I always have.  

Some strategies I can take away from the article are maybe to question more, and try to not look too deeply into things.  I can also give annotating another try, or find another note-taking strategy that works well for me.  

Reading Reflection -Annie Murphy

As a reader, I never think about how I'm reading while I'm reading, which has impacted how I read in good and bad ways. My strategies for reading have always been to reread, think and make connections about what I'm reading while I'm reading, and asses what I read for how good it is after ok done. From the article, I learned to have more meta cognition and awareness, as well as have a dictionary and other tools near me while I read to understand it more. I can learn more from my reading with those tools to help, instead of piecing together what I don't fully understand as I go.
I believe I am a good reader because I naturally comprehend most of what I'm reading and can make connections and other references to other things I know about while reading. I do this mostly when reading fiction, as I allow myself to "get lost" in the book, even if it is for an assignment. When I read non fiction or informative articles I have to give myself more time as I read to understand and process the work.
Last year was my first year annotating books and articles. It was a knew idea for me, and at first I didn't like it, but now I annotate books I read for pleasure for certain things too. I struggled with being aware of my reading while I read. Now I believe my reading is more comprehensive and I will continue to do it in the future.

Reading Article Reflection - Pono

Out of the seven traits of performative literacy, five of them apply to me.  They are: A capacity for sustained focused attention, willingness to suspend closure, tolerance for failure, intellectual generousity and fallibility, and the capacity to monitor and direct my reading process.  During grade school, I was a pretty hardcore reader.  I could read 500-800 page books in one sitting, understand when I'm lost and reread the book again, change my opinion after reading, and help myself during reading.  I usually read differently depending on the task and subject.  In my free time I usually read a lot smoother, not paying attention to all the details.  But when I have to read for school, I usually have to take more time reading through and looking for answers for certain questions.  Being able to read efficiently is what makes me a good reader, while not always being able to understand all the details is what makes me a weak reader.  I could probably try using the trait/strategy of questioning the text and thinking more, along with being more patient in my ability to solve problems I have from reading.  This year, I had to mature my writing style a lot.  From not being generic to not having the best insight, I struggled quite a bit.  Annotating and taking notes was a lot more work to do; I didn't like it too much.  Having to annotate turned me off from being able to enjoy the book; it made me have to look for details and analyze it.  I'll definitely have to annotate/take notes on literature in the future, so I'll just do it when I get there I guess.

Blog Prompts

Blog Post Topics (Respond to 1 of the prompts below each week):

A.            Select a significant quotation from your reading; explore the significance of that quotation to the development of characters, conflict, theme, etc.

B.            Explore a significant change in an important character.

C.           Explore a significant relationship’s conflicts or growth.

D.           Write about a motif you see developing--where have you noticed it? What does it seem to be revealing about characters or themes?

E.            Explore the significance of a particular setting (not of the whole novel--pick a specific scene).

F.            Explore the significance of a passage with a lot of imagery or description.

G.           Write about a symbol--how does it exist both literally and figuratively? What does it represent?

H.           Explore connections between your book and something you’ve read previously in English class.

I.              Explore connections between the text and your own life.

J.            What is the significance of the book’s title? What does it reveal about the main characters, conflicts, or themes?