Herbert’s Dune is not just a reimagining of Lawrence of Arabia’s story with a science-fiction twist. Critics have noted the similarities between Lawrence and Paul Atreides as foreign figures who lead desert cultures to overthrow oppressors. While Lawrence of Arabia portrays a ‘white savior’ narrative, Dune delves deeper into the contrasts in portrayals of culture, women, and religion. Lawrence’s conflicted feelings about his role in the Middle East during WWI are at odds with Paul’s more confident approach in leading the Fremen. Both figures bridge two worlds to facilitate their goals, embodying themes of imperialism and manipulation in a desert setting.
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