I’ve recently been reading the Dune series for the first time, and I just finished book 4 (God Emperor of Dune). I think the books are entertaining and more insightful than I expected, but they definitely suffer from a lot of outdated tropes and problematic themes, specifically related to gender and sexuality. I recognize that they’re a symptom of the time period and can overlook most of it. But I’m wondering how modern readers judge Duncan Idaho.
It feels like Duncan is very much unfairly revered within the text and given ridiculous sympathy in every iteration of his life; from his sick relationship with Alia to his part in Leto’s death. (Conversely, Siona is characterized as the ultimate purveyor of evil and unrepentantly cruel.)
Do other readers actually like Duncan and his awful views on women and sex? Or is he typically considered a relic of the past (pun intended) and disliked?
by MyLastAcctWasBetter
1 Comment
I feel like he is a bit more intense with his views on woman and sex, and when reading him I was genuinely surprised as to how some of the stuff he says could have possible been published into a book.