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.
Paul and Jessica's relationship is strained and civil nearing the end of the novel. Paul and his mother are reliant on each other because of their religious leader status for the Fremen, but Paul is dominant in how they relate to each other because of his powers. At the end of the novel, Jessica apologizes to Paul for making him who he is, saying that it was her orders to do so, but she regrets having put her son through so many trials. Their relationship begins and ends normally, but is tense for most of Dune.
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