From the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to this idea that the Bene Gesserit have been manipulating the genetics of the Great Houses and have planted ideas across the universe in order to gain control of the universe eventually. Jessica wonders, on more then one occasion, if the Bene Gesserits planted the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach centuries before on Arrakis. She believes that they can use it to their advantage, and Paul himself see's this as a way to manipulate things to his advantage. Once Paul figures out that they are all related to the Barron, their sworn enemy, we can see the idea of "plans within plans". After all, the Bene Gesserit wanted Jessica to give birth to a girl that they could wed to the Harkonnen.
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Luca Tomescu
6/29/2015 02:25:38 pm
1. The Bene Gesserits certainly had a great deal of influence on the idea of a Kwisatz Haderach and its proliferation across the universe. Given the immense power wielded by the Bene Gesserits and their ultimate goal of taking control of the universe, it is not unlikely that they were able to spread their customs and beliefs to the furthest corners of the universe. The Bene Gesserits are a force even greater than all of the Great Houses because their plans transcend the plans of any individual house. In fact, the Bene Gesserits have a significant amount of control over the houses themselves because of the masterful placement of their members near the top of the leadership chains of each house. For any organization with that much power and influence over every process within the universe, planting ideas in more primitive and secluded cultures must be a piece of cake. But at the same time, who says that the Kwisatz Haderach cannot be a savior figure? It's true that the Bene Gesserits intended for the Kwisatz Haderach to be completely under their control, but that is clearly not the case with Paul. In the eyes of the Fremen, he is their savior, but for the Bene Gesserits, he is a failed attempt at the ultimate being of the Kwisatz Haderach. It is all a matter of perspective.
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Kieran Smith
7/1/2015 09:29:13 am
I mean if Dune really is a parallel to the Middle East - which I think it is - then the Bene Gesserit are the ones who set the stage for the Jihad. In the real world, the Jihad is led by the Islamic religion, or by extremist interpreters of the Islamic religion. If the analogy continued, then the Bene Gesserit would be sort of religious leaders who took a religion and turned it into a way by which they could gain power.
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Alvaro Iglesias
8/11/2015 03:50:36 am
In response to the first part of your post, is Paul a complete failure of a Kwisatz Haderach? Sure, him being a male that can't be controlled is a major issue for the Bene Gesserit, but he did help them (to a degree) take over the Dune universe. He's born from a Bene Gesserit-trained mother, and knows the way of both the Truth and manipulation, and has power even over the Emperor after the Jihad. Obviously Paul won't be influenced by them, but his essence at least gives them knowledge that their plan likely would have worked if Jessica had born a girl.
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Laura Paglicawan
8/14/2015 11:09:08 am
Upon close examination of the Bene Gesserit, the reader can sense Herbert’s heavy critique concerning a major power source of the world. An entity that is highly secretive, deceptive, and trained from birth. An identity belonging more closely to the political leaders of the world, through a general perspective. Both political leaders and the Bene Gesserit partake in formal ceremonies but also work behind the scenes wielding influence from high places of authority. Both construe plans within plans. Both boast discipline in their craft and control is one of their many specialties. Resembling the Bene Gesserit’s heavily embedded Missionara Protectiva, leaders have been groomed for their career bringing to fruition their parent’s plan for them. Moreover, the Bene Gesserit’s Mastering of the Voice runs parallel with the appeal that public figures bestow on their audience using the persuasive techniques of rhetoric and emotion. The ultimate failure of the Bene Gesserit’s mission and their degradation at the end may suggest Herbert’s perception of political leaders and their fleeting power, one that will be rightfully handed to the people. In his era where growing distrust of the government was evident, the desire for the absence of leaders was not such an uncommon thought.
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Daniel Cheung
8/23/2015 08:26:52 am
1. Undoubtedly, the Bene Gesserit have unparalleled influence in Herbert's universe, even the effects of their actions are often hidden in secrecy. I definitely agree that the Bene Gesserit have proliferated their customs, but I think is goes beyond that. They have created lies to increase their powers of manipulation. For example, Jessica believed that Feyd-Rautha could be paralyzed with a single word, a situation created by another Reverend Mother. If they go so far, nothing stops them from creating myths that they can later capitalize on. The legend of Kwisatz Haderach, however, I see as a genuine belief. Otherwise, they would not have sought control over Paul.
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Thomas Ledford
8/27/2015 09:12:50 am
Most things in Dune have connection to the real world, even though it may seem completely made up. I believe that the voice in Dune is representation of how some people with money have certain power to manipulate those around them. Herbert, in a subtle way, shows that reader that people with power (like Paul and Jessica) have the ability to control others with their abundance of money. Recently I have really started to understand how money seems to buy people the ability to control others around you. While it is really unfair, the world seems to be controlled by those you have more green paper than others.Therefore, just like the Bene Gesserits people will use their advantages to assert their power and manipulate others.
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Kieran Smith
7/1/2015 09:18:00 am
1. The Bene Gesserit may have played off of Fremen beliefs and histories, but it was certainly their notion that the Kwisatz Haderach was planted in the culture of Arrakis. Their plans for genetic manipulation were extremely detailed and extremely well thought through, so I would not be surprised if they planted all sorts of fail safes like the on Arrakis. The Fremen were expecting a Bene Gesserit mother and her child, and this fact probably saved Paul and Jessica’s lives on many occasions. Had any of the Bene Gesserit died on Arrakis, it would have meant a huge delay in their plans, because each gene went into some final product.
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Stella Ji
7/15/2015 08:21:36 am
In response the the question posed in part three of your answer, I think it's highly possible that the Bene Gesserit don't always expose the truth. They are shown in the book to have supernatural abilities and use them to manipulate certain people and events to produce the outcome they desire. We see that in their manipulation of genetics and in a way it shows their true colors. With the amount of power they have it's only natural for them to look for as many ways to gain power and part of that could include limiting the amount of truth they speak. Their actions in throughout the novel seem to reflect their innate selfishness and intense need for power.
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Andrea Rosales
8/26/2015 11:58:26 am
I think the Bene Gesserits knew the future chaos that would fall upon the people so they created a prophecy that would potentially help. I believe Paul was meant to be a savior even without the prophecy. He possessed hero qualities and the circumstances he was put through only heightened his ability. Even as he was trying to run to safety with Jessica, his visions become stronger just as his true calling was coming to the surface. The Bene Gesserit’s use of manipulation should not have come as a surprise. They play God not necessarily thinking of future outcomes, which shows human nature is prone to error. Generation learns by experience and I think the manipulation of genetics was one of curiosity and scientific benefit. Manipulation by others however, is the obvious shift of power by corruption in the houses.
Kalpana Vaidya
8/1/2015 03:45:45 am
I completely agree with Stella. The Bene Gesserits cannot truly be trusted. In the beginning of the novel, Jessica talks about how the Bene Gesserits had told her not to have a son, and when she did they were extremely upset with her. I think this is a prime example of them simply trying to gain power. Though this is not an example of them not exactly saying the complete truth, it can be used as a development of character. We can gather that they are manipulative and from there we can infer that everything they say cannot be trusted as well. The Bene Gesserits work behind the scenes to become the overarching power in the world that Herbert has created.
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Maggie Cheung
8/14/2015 02:41:58 am
I also agree with Kalpana and Stella. I do believe that the Bene Gesserit can manipulate a lot more than what the people think. The Bene Gesserit are seen as these "all-knowing" supernatural people. What they say is almost always taken as truth, or as what is for certain going to happen. Every group of people or family seems to have a "truthsayer" or someone to advise them in times of conflict. No one ever disputes what they have to say, and if something doesn't turn out like it was said to, it is at the responsibility of the person who seemingly "defied" the Bene Gesserit's statements of truth. Throughout the book, they seem to be hiding a lot of information from Jessica and the other characters. It seems very possible that they would sometimes not tell the truth to gain power, or not tell the entire truth.
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Pooja Tunikipati
8/19/2015 05:38:17 am
I think it is very possible that the truthsaying witches keep some secrets to themselves, so that they may have an advantage over their ‘employers’. The Bene Gesserit have been manipulating and planting members of their group into the Great Houses for years, so why would they willingly give up all secrets? They probably used this information to further their cause and to get closer to creating the Kwisatz Haderach, so they may gain power and control.
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Sahiti Rudravajhala
8/25/2015 11:24:32 am
I agree with Stella as well. I think it is entirely possible that the Bene Gesserit had hidden the truth. They cannot be trusted completely. The fact that they reprimanded Jessica for not giving birth to a girl says a lot about their ideals. Rather than welcoming a new soul into the world, they despised the child because it did not align with their expectations. Throughout the novel they show their ignorance to anything other than their need for power.
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Sheila Patel
8/25/2015 12:10:58 pm
I agree with Stella that the Bene Gesserit organization cannot be trusted. Their cult-like sisterhood is the only thing they are loyal to, so why would the “truthsayers” give the entire truth to their employers when they can keep it to their own organization? This is clear in the last chapter of the book. When Paul starts berating the Emperor on the importance of the spice, and the Emperor doesn’t believe him, the truthsayer tries to hide the fact that Paul is being truthful from the Emperor. Whenever Paul is about to give valuable Bene Gesserit secrets to the Emperor, the Reverend Mother tries to stop him. If she was loyal to her employer, the Emperor, rather than her cause, she would not have done this.
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Elaine Wood
8/25/2015 12:45:37 pm
I also agree with Kalpana and Stella. The Bene Dessert likely do not always expose the truth, but rather intend to maintain and increase their power and influence. This can be compared to instances in real life where different people lie to get ahead -- politicians (specifics I won't name in an effort to maintain peace... it can quite frequently become a touchy subject). However, the principle is the same: the Bene Gesserit desire power just as many here on Earth do. While many things are different in the Dune Universe, corruption for power still exists.
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ye
7/7/2015 01:18:15 pm
tricks within tricks within tricks
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Stella Ji
7/13/2015 02:08:15 pm
1. I think the vast amount of knowledge and power that the Bene Gesserits possess certainly does give off the perception that they have the ability to manipulate the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach. The Bene Gesserit’s are like a league or their own above everyone else, even the most powerful Emperor. Certainly, people with that kind of strength would have the capability to shape the future in any way they so desire. Furthermore throughout the book we are shown that the actions of Jessica and other Bene Gesserit’s are always intentional. Each movement is thought out carefully with consequences and outcomes already thought of. However, at the same time the reaction of the Fremen to Paul and Jessica’s arrival gives the possibilities of the existence of an actual savior figure. Paul’s borderline supernatural abilities also enhance the savior aspect of it all. But I do believe that the Bene Gesserits had more to do with the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach than just the idea of a savior because their intelligence exists so uniquely.
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Amy Chen
8/10/2015 11:49:06 am
I agree with the constant change of power both in the novel and in the real world. In accordance to popular belief, I believe that anything can change in an instant. In Dune, the complete rule over Arrakis was changed at the end of the book by the death of one person, the Baron. In turn, Paul became the rightful heir to the throne as the Duke; what difference it makes to an entire nation just by the death of a single person! In history, the death of Abraham Lincoln altered the lives of many in the South who were dealing with Reconstruction. The void of his leadership left the Radical Republicans in a bitter relationship to the new president, Andrew Johnson. The Reconstruction quickly fell apart without a good leader, as Stella pointed out that the Atreides rule over Arrakis quickly disintegrated without the Duke Leto. Changes in power definitely can occur within any moment, an can alter the lives of many.
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Andrew Zheng
7/17/2015 08:40:38 pm
1. From the very beginning of the book, we are introduced to the illusive "old woman", a senior member of the Bene Gesserits. This early introduction with such close proximity to the main protagonist immediately gave notice to their importance, not only to the story and plot, but the Dune universe as well. It may very well be so that this "importance" that the Bene Gesserits possessed was used to plant the idea of a "savior figure" among the less educated around the universe, after all, the use of superstition to control the masses is not a novel idea, but rather one that is used quite widely even in our reality. Ultimately, the Bene Gesserits have immense knowledge and experience in manipulating not only the gene pool, but family lines to produce suitable rulers, manage royal ties, or pursue the creation of the Kwisatz Haderach. This fact leads me to assume that the Bene Gesserit not only truly believed in the eventual existence and coming of the Kwisatz Haderach, but they used the control that idea brought with it as a bonus effect.
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Jonathan Wang
8/12/2015 09:19:00 am
While I agree with you on the point that the sacrifices of all of Dune's Bene Gesserits is rather ambitious in how they all manipulate bloodlines to create the all powerful Kwisatz Hederach, how can they be so sure that the messiah will actually come into fruition. Unless the author took the route of "just because" in this major part of the plot, it seems rather odd that such a large speculation is held within the Bene Gesserit society that largely focuses on predictions and facts.
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Kynnedi Sonnier
8/26/2015 11:24:54 am
I agree that this is a great point Jonathan. What makes Jessica so special? I think its the same thing that makes Hester Prynne so memorable and ostracized; she was the first to disobey established expectations for personal reasons (at least the first one to get caught in Hester's situation). For the boldness of going against a hidden breeding agenda, the consequences amount to an immortality, and that something to be learned must come from her disobedience, something as extreme as creating the Kwisatz Haderach. Jessica will be made an example out of for the future generations of Bene Gesserit. The problem is Herbert did not give enough context as to the circumstances of a Kwisatz Haderach's conception. So thats just my theory, but Herbert could have very well said it will be Jessica "just because", that he was not concerned about the rationality of it but rather the universal message.
Victor Guo
8/27/2015 09:04:19 am
While i agree to an extent about the fact that the gene manipulation was extremely ambitions for the Bene Gesserit i don't think it did future generations much harm. If they were breeding the best possible genetic specimen then any child born under thier would be sure to not have an birth defects or else it would have been a fault gene combination on the part of the Bene Gesserit. Also the fact that the Great houses accepted implies that this breeding also gave them benefits such as better genes in their bloodlines.
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Alvaro Iglesias
8/9/2015 02:45:39 am
1. It certainly seems as though the Bene Gesserits have a massive influence throughout the Dune Universe, from the intermarriage into the Great House to the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach as a savior. With their power of the Truth and their ability to produce doubt and thought into almost any individual, it makes sense that the Bene Gesserits were the ones who implanted this idea into such superstitious folk as the natives of Arrakis. It even seems as if those of the Bene Gesserit believe in this savior figure themselves, as both Lady Jessica and the Truthsayer of the Emperor make emphasized realizations of Paul's abilities in books 2 and 3.
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Jasmine Banks
8/11/2015 01:51:57 pm
I believe the Bene Gesserits had the notion that there would soon be someone that would come about and be a large help in defeating the harokkens. However to convey the idea to a group of people such as the Fremen, the idea of Kwisatz Haderach was developed. In a way there was supposed to be a savior figure, assuming the reverend mothers had a type of foresight, however the idea was just too abstract, and in order to give it more definition and make it seem more real the idea of Kwisatz Haderach was born.
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Danielle Edmonds
8/12/2015 01:49:25 am
1. I believe that the Bene Gesserits initially tried to manipulate the idea of a Kwisatz Haderach, but their plan didn't work out as they had hoped. If there was going to be a Kwisatz Haderach, they wanted to make sure that he would be under their control so that they could benefit from his unique powers of Other Memory. The Bene Gesserits thought they could ensure this by telling Lady Jessica to bear a daughter who would then breed with a Harkonnen male, also ending the feud between the two powerful families. However, their carefully planned breeding program went awry when Lady Jessica disobeyed them and had a son instead. This proves that the Bene Gesserits didn't have as much control over the future as they thought they did. In a way, Paul can be considered a savior figure because he did not turn out to be the Kwisatz Haderach that the Bene Gesserits intended.
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Maggie Cheung
8/14/2015 03:18:35 am
The amount of power that the Bene Gesserit have across the universe is temendous. They hold a position of honor because they are seemingly wise and skillful, and can give the best advice as to what the best move is to make for the Great House to which they "serve". This gives them the image of always having a plan, which could seem beneficial to the characters in the book, or could seem extremely manipulative if analyzed further. I do believe it's very possible that the Bene Gesserit manipulated the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach in order to change who would eventually come to power throughout the Great Houses. On the other hand, the idea that the Kwisatz Haderach as an actual savior figure in the context of the novel seems legitimate. I believe that the Kwisatz Haderach can act as a true savior figure, but that doesn't mean in the way that the Bene Gesserit wanted it to be. In this case, Paul seems to form his own image of what he is going to be as he accepts his true responsibility as the Kwisatz Haderach.
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Seamus Gildea
8/22/2015 02:06:48 am
That was an interesting point Maggie. There are so many positions of power in this universe that do not seem to have much of a gap between them in terms of control that it creates an atmosphere where leaders continually try to gain the most power. And when power comes from the resources you control, physical entities must be protected. These leaders must protect their "turf" as it is the only thing that gives them their power, setting up for physical confrontations leading to bloody wars.
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Sahib Chandnani
8/25/2015 11:15:26 am
I agree with you! The idea of power is extremely exaggerated in Dune, and those that think it is inexorable are the ones that tend to lose it. However, I think this a general rule even in the real world. Governments, empires, and dynasties have all been toppled by common men. Power is truly determined by the ruled and those that are blind to this do now have theirs for very long. It can be both taken and given in an instant. Once the people grow frustrated with oppression or inequality, they will inevitable rise up and bring an end to whatever power defies them. No individual is all-powerful no matter how influential they may be. It is always important for leaders to know that they are always under another, more powerful, entity. Maybe not god, but another person who has the influence and willpower to carry out their own ambitions and goals. Power is as fleeting as life.
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Pooja Tunikipati
8/19/2015 04:56:01 am
I believe that the Bene Gesserit did manipulate bloodlines in order to create the Kwisatz Haderach, but that the savior figure really was meant to be, because the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach originated from Fremen beliefs, and to them, Paul is that savior figure, and he did fulfill his destiny. On the other hand, the Bene Gesserit played the hand of fate and rushed the ‘prophecy’ of the Kwisatz Haderach and they tried to play their cards is such a way that they would be the most powerful group in the universe. They had a hand in all of the Great Houses and had influences everywhere. So basically, there was meant to be a savior figure, but the Bene Gesserit did not benefit from it because they meddled too much and attempted to play God.
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Arianna Carr
8/23/2015 12:40:10 am
To answer your question, I did some research, and what I found is that the origins of Dune are very intriguing. Frank Herbert actually was a journalist who delved off into the world and issues of ecology. Because of his interest in ecology, he traveled to the Dunes of Oregon which posed a threat to the surrounding communities as it had the potential to spread its intimidating, dry sand dunes further. He was so fascinated by the moving and flowing nature of sand that he described them as "devastating waves." Ironically, the paper was never written, but something much more brilliant and immense spawned from this seedling of inspiration - Dune.
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Seamus Gildea
8/19/2015 10:52:38 am
1. The Bene Gesserit foresight is truly remarkable and I do not simply reference the ability they possess the see aspects of their future. In such a large universe with so much turmoil, people can be exiled to very foreign areas frequently. The Bene Gesserits planned to ensure that no matter where they were forced to relocate a reputation would be established for them far and wide. Perhaps the most important piece of their prophetical propaganda was the story of the Kwisatz Haderach. A helpless mother and child can enter into a new society who, instead of showing great caution, will readily accept them with open arms with the hope that since this mother is a Bene Gesserit, her child will fulfill all their dreams.
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Daniel Cheung
8/21/2015 08:00:22 am
The Bene Gesserit are by far the most interesting organization that I have encountered in the fictional realm; their seemingly omniscient power coupled with vastly unknown motives had me captivated throughout the entire book.
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Karthik Reddy
8/22/2015 02:28:31 am
1) The Bene Dessert were very clever, they thought way ahead with their use of the Missionaria Protectiva, their spread of false beliefs that would grow to legends and prophecies which the Bene Gesserit could use to manipulate those who believed these false beliefs (e.g. Jessica thinking the Fremen legends of the Lisan al Gaib was the work of the Missionaria Protectiva that she could use to manipulate the Fremen). We cannot truly know but it may have been a combination of the Missionaria Protectiva, the Breeding program, and many other things that set forth the idea of a Kwisatz Haderach. If not for the Fremen legends, Paul and Jessica would have surely died in the desert.
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Gesserit*
8/23/2015 11:01:00 am
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Sakshi Shah
8/23/2015 01:42:33 pm
My favorite moment in Dune was when Paul sang for Chani. It was a cute moment where nothing really mattered, it was just the two of them.
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Kynnedi Sonnier
8/26/2015 11:35:48 am
Reposting because I'm not sure my first attempt was successful:
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Chidera Azubike
8/27/2015 11:57:04 am
my favorite moment in dune was when paul's little sister killed vladmir harkonnen, i couldn't help but the irony, that while his nephew failed to kill him, his granddaughter (daughter of the man, who's death he caused) was able to do him in.
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Sahib Chandnani
8/23/2015 11:31:38 am
1. I believe that it is actually a combination of the two. Because of Paul's power to see into the future, I think it is entirely possible that at least one of the many Bene Gesserits had the same ability and was able to predict the possibility of one day having a Kwisatz Haderach. However, in order for this divine figure's influence and potential to be able to reach its highest grandeur, the word needed to be spread across the universe. Otherwise, the Kwisatz Haderach would have to prove himself to be who he was instead of being immediately recognized for the ultimate being he is. It could also be true that by spreading the word, they are spreading their own influence as well, and they did this to gain a double benefit: one being that the Kwisatz Haderach would be acknowledged as almost a god one day and the second being that the Bene Gesserits up until and after the Kwisatz Haderach would also be revered and respected in their own ways. This way power would be exerted by the ruling powers and Reverend Mothers while simultaneously setting the stage for the Kwisatz Haderach.
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Michael Liu
8/25/2015 09:29:29 am
From the start, it was certain that Paul Atreides was meant to be an exceptional individual. This might have resulted, after many centuries, from the consistent experimentation of mixing genetics to breed the perfect individual. The Bene Gesserits are undoubtedly an elite organization that have the capacity of executing exceptional plans. Their highly sophisticated life-long training, acute observation, and “other memory” combined to develop the complex idea of the Kwisatz Haderach and the ambitious endeavor of the breeding program. Paul might have been the fortunate product of their program. Blessed with superior physical and mental capabilities, Paul simply had to be exposed to the concept of the Kwisatz Haderach in order for the hero to develop. When the Reverent Mother tested Paul in the first pages of the Dune, the journey of “The One” would commence. As Paul used this prophecy to his advantage, he gradually adapted to become the prophecy. From the encounter with the Freemen tribes, to becoming their political leader, Paul set into action a role that could not be reversed. In a psychological viewpoint, Paul set forth with the self fulfilling prophecy - a prediction that causes itself to come true due to the fact that the prediction was made. He saw into the future and knew he was truly the Kwisatz Haderach.
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Sahiti Rudravajhala
8/25/2015 10:04:18 am
1. In my opinion, the Bene Gesserits do in fact have a hefty amount of influence in the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach. The fact that Paul is able to think of ways to control his surroundings to serve his purposes shows that the Bene Gesserits’ teachings had no intentions of raising a “savior”. As for creating a superhuman race out of a manipulation of genetics, it goes to show that the Bene Gesserits and their greater plan of breeding the next great Kwisatz Haderach had absolutely no intents of allowing that individual to serve as a savior figure in any way. With their immense power and influence within the Great House, it is evident that they are extremely determined to conquer the universe at whatever cost. They were made to believe in the existence of their supernatural powers and it is obvious that this amount of influence would make them more calculating. Though in Paul’s case, they were not successful in transforming him to be the Kwisatz Haderach they had intended for him to become.
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Sheila Patel
8/25/2015 12:44:00 pm
1) I think Bene Gesserit planted the idea of the Kwaisatz Haderach. From everything Jessica thinks, we can see the level at which they infiltrated all of the different societies of the Dune universe. From the way she impressed Shadout Mapes with her knowledge culture, we can see the level at which the Bene Gesserit train their members in order to fulfill their final goal. If they truly want world domination, what better way than to introduce every society with a supposedly legendary hero that the Bene Gesserit themselves can create with their genetic manipulation?
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Pranidhi Dadhaniya
8/25/2015 01:34:32 pm
1. I believe that the Bene Gesserit undoubtedly planted tales about Kwaisatz Haderach among the inhabitants of Arrakis. Planting these ideas was the ideal means through which the Atreides could ensure safety and acceptance for its family on Arrakis. I do not believe that there was ever meant to be a savior. However, I do believe that Paul developed into a "savior" figure for the Fremen tribe because he took upon him their cause of turning Arrakis into a lush planet of greenery and water.
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David Hartman
8/27/2015 10:22:45 am
I agree with your belief that Paul is essentially the only leader of the book who follows good moral values. It seemed that other individuals who held power worked for selfish desires and did not act in a way that would benefit others. Though the Duke Leto sought to aid the inhabitants of Arrakis and make the world an Eden, he too was driven by greed for the melange spice. It is notable that the Baron holds no respect for humanity, which begs the question "Why such animosity for your fellow man?" It seems that to gain control and power corruption and anti-altruism is the most direct route, as exhibited by those whom did not lack the caring, selfless personality of the Great Muad'Dib.
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Sabrina Shaikh
8/27/2015 01:45:46 pm
You bring up an excellent point, Pranidhi. Despite the multiple attempts at ruthelessly obtaining power from the hands of others by different leaders, Paul manages to maintain the utmost concern for others and their value. It shows that he actually cares about his people. This is a characteristic many leaders lack, but he displays such leadership and care very well.
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Victor Guo
8/26/2015 02:32:09 pm
I believe that the Kwisatz Haderach was indeed supposed to be a saviour figure but only for the Bene Gesserit who would end up controlling him so they could control the universe. Otherwise the birth of a Kwisatz Haderach would have been fatal to any of their plans and ended up as a saviour for everyone else who was enslaved by the Bene Gesserits.
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David Hartman
8/27/2015 06:58:23 am
1.) I feel that the Bene Gesserits altered the idea of what a savior should appear as. Quite often, to the naked eye saviors do not appear as supreme beings or individuals. Their actions define the portrayal of the individual as a savior. Moses, who freed the Jews from their brutal, Egyptian rulers, was not born with superhuman strength or advanced knowledge. His birth was just like any other ordinary child. However, the longing to be free by those whom were enslaved had a preconceived notion of what their savior would bring: freedom. Technically speaking, any person who accomplished this task would be their savior. The Kwisatz Haderach fulfills a similar role, to bring some sort of universal peace and balance to the known worlds.
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Aiyana McRae
8/27/2015 10:16:05 am
1.Bene Gesserit are undoubtedly immensely influential in the Dune universe. Their plan for manipulation of Kwisatz Haderach's ideology is complex. With the amount of power they have, it would be near impossible for them not to be effective. Paul seems like he has the potential to be a "savior" because he is more powerful (almost supernaturally) than the others on his planet.
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Jullianne Lee
8/27/2015 10:50:43 am
1. I think that the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach could have been a universal legend of the people in their universe. However, it seems that the Bene Gesserit were playing off of the beliefs of the Fremen, seeing that a Bene Gesserit and her child were expected on the planet for a long time.
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Jesse Chao
8/27/2015 11:38:47 am
1. The Bene Gesserit may have created the official title for the Kwisatz Haderach, but it may have been that this role or prophecy of a savior was originally created as the Freman have a way of life based around a harsh environment. In many societies today, there are stories of both religious and other types of saviors that are foretold or were foretold to come. The beliefs of Jesus, Mohammad, David, and other countless figures represent this. It is very possible that people believed in the Bene Gesserit and moved all their frustration and negative energy into waiting for this savior. The real world has experienced numerous doomsday cults with which people have gone to a being for shelter or for salvation for some reason or another. This shows that there are many people who can be influenced to follow ideals like a savior.
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Ada Chau
8/27/2015 12:41:15 pm
1. I think that hope is something that can definitely make or break someone, and it can keep someone going. The Kwisatz Haderach definitely serves as a savior figure that the Bene Gesserits used to give people hope and to keep them going even when the going gets tough. At the same time, because they were trying to manipulate genetics as well to try to produce this Kwisatz Haderach, it gave them the respect of the people because the people wanted them to produce this figure it they seemed to be the only ones who could. To answer the question, I would definitely say a little of both.
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Farah Hashmi
8/27/2015 12:57:04 pm
Ultimately, the Bene Gesserits had a significant influence on the idea of a Kwisatz Haderach and its impact of the rest of the universe. Not only are they known for being some of the most intellectual and mystical beings throughout said universe, but they also have immense power- both literally and politically- in terms of the Houses, as well. They had themselves sanctions throughout all of the Houses- even the Emperor had a Reverend Mother as his right hand- so that they could subtly manipulate the head of those Houses into ensuring the fulfillment of their plans- and planting seeds about the concept of the Kwisatz Haderach would be an easy feat. As for whether or not the Kwisatz Haderach was meant to be a savior figure initially becomes irrelevant, because regardless Paul becomes the messiah to the fremen, a savior to their people.
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Ching Liuhuang
8/27/2015 01:22:29 pm
1. The Bene Gesserits possess tremendous influence over the universe, from the gender of a child to the actions of the Emperor. As a result, the idea of the Kwisatz Haderach is most likely planted upon Arrakis long before, in order to gain control. Much of these strategies and events, including Paul being a Harkonnen, were most likely planned and strategized way before the birth Duke Leto himself. In addition, the Bene Gesserits may have even believed in the ideas that they seed all over the universe. Just like the famed conspiracy theories of the Illuminati, in order to live a lie, one must believe and devote to a lie.
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Sabrina Shaikh
8/27/2015 01:41:43 pm
I believe the Bene Gesserits did manipulate the idea of the Kwaisatz Haderach. By referencing to him as a savior, people took him as one. Therefor, if they had control of the Kwaisatz Haderach, they had control over the people. However, I believe that in the end, Paul did end up being a savior because his intentions were beneficial to the people, and he always kept it in mind.
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