Dune

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The spice melange plays a critical role in the economy, politics, and religion of the Imperium.

• How does the author use the spice as a metaphor? (topic sentence)
• Provide three examples where the spice plays a role in shaping the characters and events. Explain how each example illustrates the symbolic significance of the spice.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the role of the spice reflects the themes of power, addiction, and exploitation.

2. House Atreides and House Harkonnen represent contrasting powers in the Imperium.

• How do the traits and behaviors of each House reflect their respective characters and goals? (topic sentence)
• Provide three examples illustrating the differing values, leadership styles, and ambitions of House Atreides and House Harkonnen. Discuss how these characteristics are reflected in the actions of key characters and how they influence each House’s strategies and decision-making processes.
• In your conclusion, explain how the traits and actions of House Atreides and House Harkonnen directly impact their respective fates.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Explore the presence and The Power of Prophecy in the novel. To what extent are these prophecies regarded as real or accurate? How does the perception of their authenticity impact the actions and beliefs of the characters? In your essay, reflect on the broader implication of prophecies in Dune. Do the prophecies hold genuine supernatural significance, or are they primarily tools of manipulation and psychological influence? Does the authenticity of the prophecies ultimately matter in shaping the events and themes of the novel?

2. The romantic relationship between Paul and Chani presents a significant conflict of loyalty. Analyze how their love for each other intersects with their loyalties to their respective factions. How does their relationship influence their decisions, their commitment to their larger causes, and their roles in shaping the fate of Arrakis? Discuss the implications of this conflict of loyalties for the characters’ personal growth and the themes of love, duty, and allegiance in the novel. Use specific examples and textual evidence to support your analysis.