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Comparing Exodus: Gods And Kings

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Throughout the novel ‘Dune’ and movie ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’, Herbert (author) and Scott (director) present many shared themes such as religion, politics and betrayal. Both story lines are set in societies where one gender is empowered and the other is not. Herbert’s intergalactic futuristic planet Arrakis is governed by forty generations of genetically manipulated bloodlines, so that females rule. In complete opposition Scott’s story line is set in an Egyptian pharaoh society where men rule. Both have hierarchy-structured societies led by a central messiah type male protagonist. The readers experience is made greater by exploring these leading characters actions and emotions. Herbert explores concepts before his time of genetic manipulation, …show more content…

Herbert’s novel foretold the birth of a male born leader, Paul Atreides, who leads the Fremen to power and freedom. He is also able to see into the future with his prescient abilities unlocked by the use of Spice Melange. In comparison, Scott directs a film which focuses on God as the almighty power and Moses as his almighty disciple who acts to free all men as equal. A high priestess divines a prophecy from animal intestines foretelling that “one brother will save the life on the other and eventually sit upon the throne”. This immediately casts a shadow of suspicion between brothers Moses and Ramesses as to who would be the next rightful leader. Dune explores a blend of religions such as Buddislam a fusion of Buddhism and Islam, Judaisim and Zenshiism. A blend of religions which can be likened to modern day blends such as Anglican, originating from the Church of England or Catholicism originating from Jesus of Nazareth during the Roman occupancy they have been blended or refocused over time. Exodus: God of Kings, follows the story of Moses based loosely on the book of Exodus of the Hebrews. All are blends of current belief systems. In Herbert’s text religion serves a more symbolic function – power, it is used to enhance political position in the eyes of the people. An example of this is the Bene Gesserit, who utilise their knowledge and superiority to earn the respect of others, boasting “we sift people to find humans.” “Usul” a name of Arabic origin meaning “the strength of the base of the pillar” was the private name used for Paul within the Sietch Tabr. The second name, Maud’ Dib, is what is used openly in the universe. Paul took the name from a small desert mouse and his choice pleased Stilgar with the rest of the Sietch Tabr. The word is of Arabic origin and means “private tutor” or “teacher”. This trait was shown when Paul taught the Fremen to become strong fighters. Maud’

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