This post has been de-listed
It is no longer included in search results and normal feeds (front page, hot posts, subreddit posts, etc). It remains visible only via the author's post history.
I've been a fan of the book for decades, but I've never found an answer to this. What were FR and the Emperor hoping to accomplish with the duel? Assuming FR had won and killed Paul, how would that have changed the situation? If anything, they'd be worse off. I assume either Stilgar (a religious fanatic) or Gurney (a ruthless Harkonnen killer) would take over and probably murder every last member of the Harkonnen family and the Emperor's court.
I'm particularly baffled by FR taunts to Paul regarding Chani. It's like he's expecting to be put in some sort of position of authority after he defeats Paul rather than the more logical result of being torn to pieces by a mob of angry fremen.
I can sort of accept FR not caring about the consequences because he is just a psychopath. But the Emperor backs him and offers him his blade, which leads me to believe that he (the Emperor) expects some kind of positive result from the gamble.
FR likely expects the satisfaction of killing the last male Atredes at minimum. Should he and the Emperor make it out alive, he would also have the favor of the Emperor as he begins his reign over the Harkkonen.
The Emperor is playing the only move available to him. If Paul is defeated and killed, the Fremen might start to doubt that Paul was the Lisan al Gaib. Or perhaps they'll just be in disarray after the sudden loss of their leader and might start to doubt whether they'll be able to defeat the Empire without him. Maybe they'd be open to negotiating with the Emperor at that point.
Yeah but the Emperor doesn't know that. He can only play the hand he was dealt.
Thanks for adding that - I haven't read the book yet. I was wondering what role the BG who were present would have played in that scenario.
Post Details
- Posted
- 8 months ago
- Reddit URL
- View post on reddit.com
- External URL
- reddit.com/r/dune/commen...
My guess as to the Emperor's perspective.