Dune and The Dispossessed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

sand dune and The Dispossessed - Essay ExampleAn excellent example of how Herbert brings the principles of general semantics to life in Dune is found in the Bene Gesserit, an ancient school of physical and mental training for females (Touponce p.18). For centuries, the Bene Gesserit have conducted a human breeding program with the objective of eventually producing a person with superior mental powers whom they refer to as the Kwisatz Haderach or one who can be many places at once (Herbert p.508). All signs indicate that capital of Minnesota Atreides might be that person. To create Bene Gesserit training Herbert combined principles of general semantics with yoga, Zen, biofeedback, and nonverbal communication to produce these powerful beings of superior intelligence and ability (OReilly p.60).Meaning in this passage stems almost exclusively from gesture and not from spoken lyric. Both Jessica and capital of Minnesota show their respect for the Reverend Mother, but only minimally and without unavailing effort. This economy of gesture and language provides for effective communication with a minimum of effort, and is the foundation of ecological semantics. Pauls actions serve as proof for what the Reverend Mother already knows about Jessicas training of the boy.Paul is powerless and under the control of t... Here, the capitalized term Voice refers to an aspect of Bene Gesserit training where, through shadings of tone in articulate utterances, a user can control others (Herbert p.532).This passage reveals Pauls understanding of the power of language. Assigning physical qualities to the words personifies their power. The words atomic number 18 outlined in brilliance, have an edge, and are capable of lifting Paul out of his fleshworld.Even Herberts emphasis on the power of language found in the ordinary spoken word, (i.e. lower case voice) is evident throughout the novel. At times it is subtle at others it is everyplacetly stated. An examination of the episode in which Paul makes himself known to the Fremen reveals Herberts emphasis on language in action. In the epigraph preceding the chapter, a quotation from the Private Reflections on MuadDib, the Princess Irulan, chronicler of Pauls life and times, overtly acknowledges the power of language Does the prophet see the future or does he see a weakness, a fault or cleavage that he may shatter with words or decisions as a diamond-cutter shatters his stone with a blow of a knife (Herbert)).277). The episode that follows represents a pivotal point in the novel for it vividly recounts the Fremens capture of Jessica and Paul after their trial by ordeal of escape into the desert. More importantly, however, this experience marks Pauls entry into the Fremen culture to whose leadership he eventually will ascend.From this pivotal point forward, Paul faces many challenges and tests over a period of time which serve to solidify his position as leader of the Fremen in their quest for control of Arrakis. Paul matures and develops into manhood. In the novels climatic scene, Paul and the