Frank Herbert's Dune was heavily influenced by T.E. Lawrence's experiences in the Arab Revolt, as depicted in Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Herbert saw parallels between Lawrence's manipulation of Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire and the potential for ecological and cultural manipulation on a desert planet. The Fremen, like the Bedouin, are desert-dwelling warriors whose culture and survival are intertwined with their harsh environment. Paul Atreides, like Lawrence, becomes a messianic figure, embracing the local customs and leading a rebellion against an oppressive empire. Herbert, however, was wary of the "Lawrence of Arabia" archetype and explored the dangers of unchecked messianic power and the unintended consequences of cultural manipulation, making Paul's journey a cautionary tale rather than a straightforward hero's narrative.
Adam Golanski's piece explores a hypothetical "Revenge of the Jedi" directed by David Lynch, imagining how Lynch's surrealist style and thematic obsessions might have transformed the Star Wars saga's conclusion. Golanski analyzes how Lynchian elements like dream logic, grotesque imagery, and explorations of duality could have manifested within the existing narrative framework of Return of the Jedi. He suggests a darker, more psychologically driven film, filled with unsettling visuals and ambiguous morality, contrasting sharply with the relatively straightforward heroism of the original. This imagined Lynchian version delves into the subconscious of characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, potentially offering a more complex and disturbing resolution to their conflict.
Hacker News users discuss Adam Golaski's piece on David Lynch almost directing Return of the Jedi. Several commenters express fascination with this alternate history, pondering how different the film might have been under Lynch's vision. Some highlight the stark contrast between Lynch's surreal style and Star Wars, leading to speculation about a darker, more psychologically driven narrative. Others point out Lynch's aversion to studio interference, questioning whether he could have navigated the pressures of such a large franchise. A few comments mention the existing pre-production work by Ralph McQuarrie and how Lynch's vision might have incorporated or diverged from it. The overall sentiment leans towards intrigued curiosity about a "what if" scenario, acknowledging the improbability but enjoying the thought experiment.
Summary of Comments ( 113 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43248429
Hacker News commenters discuss the influence of T.E. Lawrence on Frank Herbert's Dune, agreeing that the parallels between Lawrence and Paul Atreides are evident. Some highlight Herbert's explicit mention of Lawrence as an inspiration, while others explore the shared themes of cultural manipulation, messianic figures, and the unintended consequences of intervening in foreign cultures. A few commenters delve into the historical context of Lawrence's exploits, offering additional insights into the complex political landscape of the Middle East and its potential reflection in Dune's world-building. One commenter notes Herbert's cynical view of leadership and revolution, suggesting that both Lawrence and Paul ultimately failed due to the inherent flaws in their approaches. Several users also recommend further reading on Lawrence, including his own writings like Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
The Hacker News post linking to the article "Lawrence of Arabia, Paul Atreides, and the roots of Frank Herbert's Dune" has generated a moderate number of comments, exploring various aspects related to the article's theme.
Several comments delve deeper into the historical connection between T.E. Lawrence and the creation of Paul Atreides. One commenter highlights the influence of Lawrence's manipulative tactics and exploitation of religious fervor on Herbert's portrayal of Paul's journey. Another comment expands on this, suggesting Herbert might have seen parallels between Lawrence's later disillusionment and the potential pitfalls of a messianic figure like Paul. A separate comment chain discusses the Fremen's resemblance to various Bedouin tribes Lawrence interacted with, and how their cultural practices and adaptation to harsh desert environments likely inspired Herbert.
Another thread discusses the broader influences on Herbert's writing beyond Lawrence, mentioning the impact of other historical figures and events. One comment mentions the ecological themes present in Dune, suggesting Herbert's concern for environmental issues might have also shaped the narrative. Others point to Herbert's background in journalism and his interest in psychology as contributing factors to the complex characters and themes present in the Dune series.
A few comments critique the article itself, with one commenter pointing out potential inaccuracies or oversimplifications in the article's portrayal of Lawrence's influence. Another commenter expresses a preference for deeper analyses of Herbert's work, suggesting the focus on Lawrence, while interesting, might not be the most crucial aspect of Dune's creation.
Finally, some comments offer tangential observations, like recommendations for further reading on related topics or personal anecdotes about their experiences with the Dune series. One commenter mentions a biography of Lawrence they found insightful, while another shares their initial reaction to reading Dune for the first time.
While there isn't a singular overwhelmingly "compelling" comment that dominates the discussion, the collective conversation offers interesting insights into the historical context, literary influences, and enduring appeal of Frank Herbert's Dune. The comments provide a valuable supplement to the article, adding layers of interpretation and prompting further reflection on the themes explored in the original piece.