I think, to me, that scene was about Duke Atreides viewing his elevated status as an obligation to do what he can in service of the people he leads in contrast to the Harkonens, who view their elevated status as an opportunity to exploit those under them, & protect themselves from consequences.
&, ultimately, I think that goodness is EXACTLY WHY the Emperor & Baron Harkonen conspire to kill him & his house -> It's meant to show that good leader like Atreides is such a threat to exploitative leaders that they'd rather lose all the benefits he offers as the leader of a strong and growing house than tolerate the threat his style of leadership poses to them.
YES. Exactly, I didn't think to bring up the contrast but you're right of course. Well said, especially the obligation vs opportunity bit in the first paragraph.
I think, to me, that scene was about Duke Atreides viewing his elevated status as an obligation to do what he can in service of the people he leads in contrast to the Harkonens, who view their elevated status as an opportunity to exploit those under them, & protect themselves from consequences.
&, ultimately, I think that goodness is EXACTLY WHY the Emperor & Baron Harkonen conspire to kill him & his house -> It's meant to show that good leader like Atreides is such a threat to exploitative leaders that they'd rather lose all the benefits he offers as the leader of a strong and growing house than tolerate the threat his style of leadership poses to them.
YES. Exactly, I didn't think to bring up the contrast but you're right of course. Well said, especially the obligation vs opportunity bit in the first paragraph.