A reread as fun homework for myself.

I took a little more time with it this read through, and there are definitely some dated things about this story.

The Baron, as a villain, being described as so fat and so gay, rub pretty wrong, especially as there are no contrasting characters with these traits anywhere else in the book. There’s a singular use of the term/slur midget, though the Baron says it, so it could be argued a negative against him. There’s also some things that are treated in an uncomfortable manner - a sort of noble savages trope, misogyny? Or at least a strange treatment of women as a general rule, possible white savior trope — though this last one is sort of broken apart in future books.

All that being said, though harm was done, I don’t think any of the negatives were handled with intention to harm. Time gives us better lenses with which to view these things as harmful. Take that as you may. 

I will say, this book hurts a whole lot more after reading further in the series. Character arcs that end in later books…plot lines that are introduced here…ouch. I cried a lot more this time around. Oh, Paul. How young you were here. Oh, Alia. How tragic your awakening, your non-childhood was.

I loved so many characters. Outside of the main cast, I love Harah, Shaddam, Fenring, more than I remember. Especially how Harah and Shaddam are with Alia. Very cute. 

This is such a beautiful, strange, emotional tragedy. Dune. What a fascinating world. How I love it so.