Winds of Dune – Entry #2

The story of Gurney and the loss of his dogs was an important experience for Gurney.  Through that experience he got a glimpse into why Paul made some of the apparently brutal decisions that resulted in the loss of many lives.

If he had acted more swiftly, if he had taken the first dog into quarantine as soon as he’d suspected the illness, if he had gone to the veterinarian earlier, if … if … if he’d been brave enough to face the pain of losing a few dogs, he might have saved the others.  He had hesitated, denied his duty, and the other gaze hounds had paid for it.

(Winds of Dune, p. 287)

In the end, the story of how Paul had sought out Bronso’s help to humanize Paul to the masses while Alia was doing everything to assure his godly status for all eternity had to be told.  Lady Jessica had carried this secret for years and much of the book is her telling the story to Irulan and then to both Irulan and Gurney.  Something Gurney said struck a chord in me: “A secret shared is a burden shared, but the weight can still be crushing” (Winds of Dune, p. 359).  Too few people really think about and understand this responsibility.  Sharing a secret may help you feel better but before sharing it, you need to be sure that the weight of it won’t crush the friend you shared the burden with.

Another chapter starter imparting wisdom …

We are taught that patience is a virtue, but I have come to realize that it is also a weakness.  More often than not, a thing must be done now.

--BRONSO OF IX

(Winds of Dune, p. 371)

As an extraordinarily patient person, I must unequivocally agree … patience can be a weakness.  There are people out there who will exploit that weakness.

The book ends with execution of Bronso, under Alia’s command, by placing him the deathstill while still alive.  Lady Jessica helps him through this agony.  As he is enduring the agony of having the water taken from his body, he can hear Lady Jessica repeatedly reciting the Litany Against Fear in his head helping him pass peacefully into death.  The Litany is a wonderful repetitive piece to the Dune saga:

I must not fear.  Fear is the mind-killer.  Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.  I will face my fear.  I will permit it to pass over me and through me.  And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.  Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.  Only I will remain.

(Winds of Dune, p. 428)