History and Historical Effect in Frank Herbert’s Dune

This essay examines the complex relationship between the many plots and themes of Dune and the history of the Imperium as created by Frank Herbert in the novel. Also, the “Vitality struggle” is put forth as a major theme of the book, as it is an omnipresent and fundamental conflict which significantly shapes the actions and ideas of Dune, and is itself determined by the very Imperial history that created it. The Vitality struggle, which involves a difference in degree rather than in methodology, is the subtle contest between the philosophy of the Empire and that of Arrakis. Paul Muad’Dib is thus a historically spawned and highly influential catalyst who sparks the inertial forces of history into motion, and, as such, is completely intertwined with the existent Imperial structures which enable his rise to godhood. (LDiT)