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.