Essay about Politics and Religion in the Herbert’s Dune Novels

Throughout history, literature has served as a prominent tool in the examination of social values, ideas, and dreams. In addition, literature has provided a vital connection between historical, social, and political events. Through the incorporation of religious principles and philosophies, writers have discovered a way to portray different time periods, characters, feelings, and most importantly God.

John Irving’s final chapter, although long winded and full of Bible references and somewhat excessive religious context, is a very fitting and information-filled conclusion to a well written and intense novel. Irvings closure of major themes and questions posed throughout the earlier stages of the novel are thoroughly described and easily understood. When one finishes reading his novel, it seems clear that Irving wishes the reader to be without many questions, as well as be satisfied with the closure given to the wide variety of questions and themes he so masterfully poses throughout the

“And now I see the face of god, and I raise this god over the earth, this god whom men have sought since men came into being, this god who will grant them joy and peace and pride.” Page 97, Anthem. The novel written by Ayn Rand is set in a dystopia; a place in which the condition of life is extremely bad, as a result of a society where expression of emotion and individuality is believed to be a sin. The theme that contributes most to the dystopia of Anthem is religion/ beliefs, however, as time progresses the character’s viewpoints of the religion/ beliefs are altered throughout the novel. The purpose of this essay is to explain Rand’s use of religion/ beliefs with the use of examples from her novel, Anthem.

There are Messianic symbols, paradise, rituals, and commandments. The Fremen of Arrakis practiced a religion most commonly related to Hymn to Water which is a direct copy from the Orange Catholic Liturgical Manual, calling for rain clouds which Arrakis had never seen. There are five religious beliefs that were dominant within the Imperium and each had major events that shaped their beliefs. The first was The followers of the Fourteen Sages and whose views are expressed in the Commentaries and other literature produced by the Commision of Ecumencial Translators (Dune 811). The second was the Bene Gesserit which denied being a religion but the entire premise of the Bene Gesserit school was collectively a religion. The third was the agnostic ruling class which included the Guild. These people though of religion as a mere game to keep the populations obedient. These same people believed that all phenomena could be diminished to unconscious explanations. The fourth is the Ancient teachings that have been collectively gathered. An lastly the fifth being space travel. Space travel gave new ideas to Creation and the feeling of sacred was touched by the outer dark (Dune 813). The Commentaries had a quote about religion that is still applicable in modern day “Much that was called religion carries an unconscious attitude of hostility toward life. True religion must teach that life is filled with joys pleasing to the eye of God, that knowledge without action is empty. All men must see that the teaching of religion by rules and rote is largely a hoax. The proper teaching is recognized with ease. You can know it without fail because it awakens within you that sensation that tells you this is something you’ve always known” (Dune 818). One of the largest symbols of religion within the novel is the Muad’Dib which ended up being Paul Atreide. The Muad’Dib is essentially a prophet which was in accordance with the planets but

Foster’s ability to dissect and analyze different novels are demonstrated in each chapter. He describes symbolism and allusion within the most well-known books. Biblical references are incorporated almost everywhere in literature. Foster explains every culture and religion has influenced each novel. “Still, no matter what your religious beliefs, to get the most out of

For purpose of this essay, religion will be defined as a collection of institutional beliefs and customs concerning humanity and the purpose of the universe [1]. Key beliefs within religion that will be explored, as well as there relation to reason, are:

Religion was a major theme in the book. Religion had a major impact on how the

Although hollywood movies are well known for their secular nature, The book of eli is an exception. The scenes in which Eli defends the Book(the bible) with his life was one of extreme conviction as a christian and equally thought provoking to non-believers. Through several memorable scenes, Eli begins to show Solara the power of the Bible – “not as a tool for conquest, but as a handbook for living”. Some Bible verses are quoted throughout the movie, and Christian imagery and symbolism are present in many scenes.

When going through an abundance of problems in life, many people seem to believe, they are going through the worst of the worst. Through therapeutic aiding and group discussions one may realize that they are not the only one facing problems. The connection between A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver can be seen in a similar sense as both families in the novels experience very much comparable life situations. In both novels, the members of the families, especially the women, struggle through a profusion of abuse, betrayal, and oppression from members of their own family. Although the novels take place in different parts of the world, their problems are quite alike and it becomes very interesting as to how the character’s lives develop throughout the novels. For example, the daughters of the

On occasion, authors approach cultural subjects as historians. However, Huston Smith limits the historical facts to stay focus on the values of the religions (Smith 10,12). Having an history filled book can cause readers to lose interests in his discussion. To keep the numbers down, Smith picks the religions that most people acknowledge and would share the most common themes in their life (11). He is passionate about his studies, and he wants the audience to find their own appreciation for religion. To accomplish this, Smith simply states that,”This is a book about values”(12). Some books describe a certain faith’s good and bad qualities and can sometimes put more emphasis on the bad if the

Dune is definitely one of the most interesting books I have ever read, and I believe that everyone should read it at some point. Although it is a great book, it is not easy to read. To me, it is one of those books that if one paragraph is skipped, something important is probably missed. Dune is a very deep and long book. Even if you don't like it, definitely read it. It is definitely on the same level as books like Lord of the Rings and The Odyssey. Dune follows the story of Paul Atreides, a duke's son and heir to house Atreides. He and his family are moved from their home planet to a planet called Arrakis, also known as Dune. (Skipping part of the story to avoid spoilers) Paul becomes the messianic

travel. It was said that there are huge masses of Fremen there along with giant

Religion is a vital part of daily life in every Middle Eastern country, informing the ways in which most ordinary citizens understand politics as well as their own place in the world. Today, the political left in Israel views the Israel state more as a protector of the Jewish community than as a strictly religious state. On the right, Zionism is broadly viewed as an effort to realize God’s intention that the Jewish people establish a Kingdom of God in that specific land. Today, Judaism

The God of Small Things may be seen through another perspective of a political story in the sense that“politics intervenes in the basic social issues. One of the major social issues is centrally concerned with the untouchables. Compulsions transcend the limits of party, ideology. These leaders act as any, other leader would irrespective of party. In it, Roy engages with the political legacy of communism in Kerala. Her satirical portrayal of E.M.S. Namboodiripad, the first Chief Minister and his party followers created many controversies. The novel is about politics. Through its various agencies, this politics exercises decisive influence over the lives of the people of Ayemenem.

This socio-historical commentary is valid however; it disregards the fact that the novels are not accurate portrayals of society. Important facts: first the philanthropic attitude in the novels is simply not a reflection of the literal changes in society, the novels cannot be classified an expression of