The mythological nature of science fiction in the Dune series

Date

4-2010

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

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Abstract

The popularity of science fiction today comes as to no surprise, given the fact that the world is becoming more advanced, and the genre reflects this. Despite the fact that science fiction was initiated in order to appreciate technological advancements, it has grown to become a genre that concerns itself not only with technology, but also with the society. Despite the popularity of the images such as robots, aliens, and the outer space, science fiction still puts man as the focal point of its narratives, telling accounts of how man tries to understand and give meaning to the immensity of the universe. In this way, man goes back to his innate function as the meaning-giver, a function that has instigated the creation of mythology throughout the world. As a response, this study aims to explore the idea of whether or not science fiction can be a viable mythological narrative that can be relevant today. This study will do this by analyzing the different motifs, symbolisms, and archetypes present in the Dune series – namely Dune, Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune. In comparing the functions of mythology with that of science fiction, the results of this study show that science fiction can be a genre that can recreate and represent mythological narratives of the past with new symbols that the generation of today can relate to. The analysis of the archetypal characters present in the Dune series establishes that the narrative can be relevant and understood throughout time, given the fact that these archetypes are universal. Furthermore, by tracing the monomyth of the text, it can be confirmed that science fiction does indeed adhere to the nature of mythology.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section

Document Type

Thesis

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