Dune

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

Reading Check

1. What is the gom jabbar?

2. According to the Fremen, what comes from the cities?

3. What does the Shadout Mapes hide in her dress?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is the Reverend Mother angry with Jessica?

2. How does Duke Leto plan to fight the Sardaukar?

3. How does Jessica know that there is a trap set for Paul?

Paired Resource

“Feudalism”

• This entry from the World History Encyclopedia explains Medieval European feudalism.
• How does the political structure of the Imperium mirror the feudal system in Europe? How does granting Arrakis to House Atreides resemble the bestowal of a fief in a feudal system?

Part 1, Chapters 11-22

Reading Check

1. What does Dr. Yueh ask Duncan Idaho to drink?

2. What is Duke Leto supposed to remember?

3. What are the Fremen paying the Guild for?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why are the Fremen immune to many common poisons?

2. How does Duke Leto plan to deal with the smugglers on Arrakis?

3. Why does Baron Harkonnen kill Dr. Yueh?

Paired Resource

“Terraform Mars: Is It Possible and Should It Be?”

• This article discusses the concept of terraforming Mars.
• This subject connects to the theme of The Environment and Ecology.
• What are some benefits and drawbacks of terraforming a planet? How could Dr. Kynes’s plan to change the climate on Arrakis have unintended consequences?

Part 2, Chapters 23-29

Reading Check

1. What does Paul tell Dr. Kynes to call him?

2. To whom does Baron Harkonnen grant the planet of Arrakis?

3. What song does Gurney Halleck sing to Mattai?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Thufir Hawat gain the trust of the Fremen?

2. What is Paul’s solution for recovering the supplies?

3. Why do Jessica and Paul try to imitate the Fremen’s way of walking?

Paired Resource

“Water Conservation in Agriculture”

• This document from the US National Academy of Sciences discusses ways to conserve water in arid land.
• This information connects to the theme of The Environment and Ecology.
• The Fremen’s water conservation practices are crucial for their survival. What parallels can you draw between their water-saving techniques and real-world strategies for conserving water in arid regions?

Part 2, Chapters 30-37

Reading Check

1. What does Jessica agree to teach the Fremen?

2. What surprising thing does Paul do as a sign of respect for Jamis?

3. What color does Chani wear as a sign of mourning?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is Kynes glad to see the birds circling above him?

2. Why does Harah become Paul’s responsibility?

3. Why does Stilgar think that Paul’s chosen name is a wise choice?

Paired Resource

“Prophecy: An Overview”

• This article from Loras College discusses religious prophecy and describes its different elements. It also provides information about prophets in the Hebrew Bible.
• This article connects to the theme of The Power of Prophecy.
• Which elements of prophecy does Paul Atreides display? What are some similarities and differences between him and other prophets in the Hebrew Bible?

Part 3, Chapters 38-48

Reading Check

1. How many Fremen does Thufir Hawat estimate live on Arrakis?

2. What does Paul want to use atomics against?

3. Whom does Jessica think Paul should marry?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is Feyd-Rautha’s punishment?

2. What does Paul have to do to prove his leadership ability?

3. How does Paul determine whether he is the Kwisatz Haderach?

Recommended Next Reads 

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

• This novel follows a group of pilgrims in a future universe embarking on a perilous journey to the Time Tombs, sharing their stories and facing the power of the Shrike that could determine the fate of humanity.
• Shared themes include The Power of Prophecy, The Environment and Ecology, and Religious Violence.
• Shared topics include messianic figures, political intrigue, and exploring religion and spirituality.
• Hyperion on SuperSummary

The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi

• Set in the near future, The Water Knife takes place in a drought-stricken American Southwest, weaving a dystopian tale about the ramifications of climate change, intense water conflicts, and the struggle for survival.
• A shared theme is The Environment and Ecology.
• Shared topics include the impact of water scarcity and the resulting conflicts.
• The Water Knife on SuperSummary