Dune Lesson Plan

How does Frank Herbert use the opening chapter to set up expectations for what will happen in the rest of Book 1?

Dune is an intentionally complex book, and almost every character has at least a few paragraphs about their thoughts. The first three chapters are intentionally broad, spanning multiple planets and schemes. We learn about the Kwisatz Haderach, the Bene Gesserit scheme to control politics from the shadows, and Paul's "terrible purpose" that he doesn't yet understand. We also learn of Baron Harkonnen's plans to destroy House Atreides.

In this single chapter, the entire plot of Book 1 is outlined. There's no suspense in what will happen; because of that,...