Dune: Feminism, Gender Dynamics, and Queerness

Sources:

• Asher-Perrin, Emmet, (2019), “How to Handle the Baron Harkonnen in a Modern Dune Adaptation”, ReactorMag
• Austin, Nicola, (2021), “Dune and the Deconstruction of the Gendered Chosen One”, Girls on Tops
• Hall, Sophie, (2022), “Dune and the Trouble with Adapting Lady Jessica”, Videolibrarian
• Joe, Chloe, (2021), “Dune’s Bene Gesserit Kind of Suck. That’s a Good Thing”, Bustle
• Oliebos, Hannes, (2021), “The Deconstruction of the Masculine Norm and Structures of Patriarchy in Frank Herbert’s Dune Book Series”
• Soffer, Eyal, (2022), “The Dune Universe and Sexual Violence: An Ongoing Struggle”, Science Fiction Research Association
• Yuel, Bessie, (2023), “Frank Herbert’s Homophobia, Baron Harkonnen, and Queer Menace”, The Companion

Further Reading:

• Kennedy, Kara, Routledge, “Tracing Second-Wave Feminism Through Women in the Dune Series”, 2023

We close out our three-part series on the Dune universe by taking a critical look at the nature of power, feminism, gender, and sexual identity in Dune. From the Bene Gesserit to Baron Harkonnen, how does Herbert approach the nature of patriarchal society in a future scifi setting? And why do are there still questions about his treatment of the only openly queer character in the series?

Intro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

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