Reading <em>Dune</em> as a Woman
I am in the middle of reading <em>Dune</em>, and while Frank Herbert has some good takeaways and powerful quotes, I was most specifically struck by how far women in media have progressed since 1965, when the book was published. In <em>Dune</em>, even the most powerful women follow a common trend of submission, even when they do not agree with their husband or the leadership. In general, there are very few lead female characters who are portrayed as important to the narrative, especially in comparison to the many military men depicted. The "Bene Gesserit," described in the novel as a fearsome and dangerous group of women, have power and wisdom, but ultimately serve the purpose of creating good genetic matches with men across the empire. Their power is immediately usurped by the protagonist of the novel, Paul Atreides. The women of this novel are continually overruled by men, and it is almost exhausting to read this as a woman in a time where we have more agency and chances to advocate. Rather than give up on the book entirely, I was met with the realization that <em>Dune</em> is an example of how far we have come. I had finished reading Leigh Bardugo's <em>Shadow and Bone</em> series right before starting <em>Dune</em>, and in this series, as in many other modern works, women are given more advocacy. The trend in more modern books shows how we have continued to overcome the oversights of past literary and cultural norms for women, and though much progress still needs to be made, it is encouraging to read older works with this mindset.
Frank Herbert
<em>Dune</em>
January 2022
Christine Taylor, 20, College student and copywriter
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Who is the Hero of <em>Animal Farm?</em>
When I was in middle school I came to love history, especially Russian history and Hitler's Germany. This time period intrigued me, plus I learned if I read about communists and Nazis, teachers would leave me alone, and allow me to read. My father recommended George Orwell's <em>Animal Farm</em> while I was in 8th grade. I read the book, and enjoyed it, then moved on. <br /><br />In ninth grade social studies, I had to read a satire and present it to the class. I asked to read <em>Animal Farm</em>, and gave the worst presentation. But my teacher stopped me and began to ask me questions, especially about links between current events and the book. I was able to make connections. <br /><br />In eleventh grade, my social studies teacher, Mr. Eldeman, had my class read and discuss <em>Animal Farm</em>. He asked us questions about the book, and one question has stuck with me. Who is the hero of the book? As a class we would present a character, and he would show us why the character was not the hero. We never answered the question. 5 years after I graduated, I ran into Mr. Eldeman, and asked him who was the hero, his response was who do you think? To this day I still do not know the answer.
<em>Animal Farm</em> by George Orwell
Middle School and High school
Mary Catherine Keating, 52, Teacher
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