One could probably write a whole book of nothing but possible discussion topics for Dune. Its density of ideas, its working out in detail many universal human concerns, and its examination of such modern issues as ecological destruction and the conflict between the needs of an individual person and the needs of that person's society all make Dune a wonderful focus for group discussion. One good way for approaching Dune would be to focus on its techniques, noting how ideas seem to dominate characterization and plot. In a discussion, people could try to explain how important characterization, especially that of Paul, affects the presentation of ideas and how those ideas are to be viewed — good, bad, or indifferent. Another good approach for Dune would be to focus on how it handles ideas that are important for modern society. Is Dune an extraordinarily elaborate allegory that...