Lady Jessica is a significant character in the book Dune by Frank Herbert. When first introduced to Lady Jessica, she is a loving mother whose sole purpose is to serve her family; being a Bene Gesserit (BG) is her duty. Throughout the story, she dramatically transforms into the Reverend Mother (RM) and evolves into the all knower of the Freman people.
In the beginning of the book, Lady Jessica brings her son to receive a test from the RM. This dangerous test could kill her son. Despite the risk, she does as instructed and brings her son before the RM to be tested. This demonstrates to the readers that she takes her responsibilities seriously. Jessica also says, “I am Bene Gesserit: I exist only to serve.” (pg 37) Throughout the first book,…show more content… The first consequence to her actions was the risk she put on her child’s life by choosing to have a son for Lord Duke instead of the daughter that she was commanded to have. Of course, at the time she did not fully realize this risk. In the first book, the RM told her how disappointing her decision was. The Lady Jessica replies, “Ill shield him as well as I'm able.” (pg 37) In both cases, the Lady Jessica faces these consequences because of her status and responsibilities. Another consequence she must face is when she actually becomes a RM. She had to make the difficult decision of choosing between her son and her unborn child. Jessica was aware that the test could potentially kill her unborn child, but she does it to save Paul’s life. The consequence of this becomes clear when the old RM comes to her during the transition and declares, “This changes both of you! Holy Mother, what have we done?” (pg 576) Once Jessica has her daughter the consequences of her choice becomes even more evident. The Freman people begin questioning the daughter’s behavior. “It’s the strangeness of my daughter… it’s the way she peaks of things beyond her years and of things no child her age could know- things of the past.” (pg 640) By making the choice to be the RM, Jessica not only endangered her unborn child, she takes away the baby’s innocence as well. Another consequence she will have to live with
