3 ms·
The parallels with Lawrence are obvious, but I find that the character of Paul Atreides follows some older models as well. Towards the end of the first book of
by felipeerias 2y ago
The parallels with Lawrence are obvious, but I find that the character of Paul Atreides follows some older models as well.
Towards the end of the first book of Dune he has become an almost mythical figure, a Moses using his divine insight to lead his people to freedom, or a Mohammed throwing them into a global war of conquest.
That ambiguity is perhaps the book's greatest achievement: Paul's actions are only justifiable if the reader believes in him completely (he has really seen all possible futures and picked the best one) or not at all (he just wanted revenge and could not have foreseen the consequences).
- itishappy 2y agoThat's what makes the rest of the series so fun!
- krige 2y agoInteresting to note that the recent Villeneuve adaptation seems to lean heavily into the latter interpretation (Paul and Jessica especially are ruthless and want revenge/power) while the Lynch adaptation was probably more of the former (Paul really wants to do good).
- lazide 2y agoEh, that isn’t how I saw the movie at all. They didn’t want revenge/power, they had no choice but take it or die. It’s even said explicitly in numerous places in the movie.