Research Article
The Interplay of Science and Religion in Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Series and Frank Herbert’s Dune
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-6
Received:
30 November 2025
Accepted:
16 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
Abstract: This paper compares the interplay of science and religion in the Foundation series (Isaac Asimov) to the Dune series (Frank Herbert). In the Foundation series, science has displaced religion in the future, though religion is present on various planets at various times, but only as a calculated political hoax or a false system of belief and practice. Salvor Hardin passes technological devices off as magical in the Four Kingdoms surrounding Terminus and a naïve priesthood emerges. On Comporellon, Trevise, who is in search of the Second Foundation, is immediately arrested. He meets with First Minister Lizalor and learns that Comporellon is a fundamentalist religious state which regards marriage as a sacrament, condemning the sexual relationship of two of his companions. But in Dune, religion and science go hand in hand with Paul Atreides (Muadib) becoming the Dune Messiah, and using his own powers (the voice), the Fremen, sandworms and blasters to defeat House Harkonnen. The religion is later codified and reified following the triumph and disappearance of Muadib. The Fremen and the Bene Gesserit are deeply religious groups who develop narratives to justify their oft times questionable practices. Leto, the son of Muadib, becomes the God Emperor of Dune, half human and half divine. So, in the Dune series the power of religion is central from the rise and disappearance of Muadib to the transmogrification of Leto.
Abstract: This paper compares the interplay of science and religion in the Foundation series (Isaac Asimov) to the Dune series (Frank Herbert). In the Foundation series, science has displaced religion in the future, though religion is present on various planets at various times, but only as a calculated political hoax or a false system of belief and practice...
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Research Article
The Dysfunctional Family and Adolescent Identity Crisis in The Cement Garden
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
7-14
Received:
11 February 2026
Accepted:
21 February 2026
Published:
9 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijla.20261401.12
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Abstract: This paper explores the adolescent identity crisis experienced by the siblings in Ian McEwan’s The Cement Garden against the backdrop of a dysfunctional family, with a focus on the impacts of parental illness, death and inharmonious family power relations. Grounded in Erik H. Erikson’s identity development theory, the study analyzes the formative causes of the dysfunctional family: the father’s patriarchal dominance destroys the intimate spousal relationship, leads to emotional alienation among family members, and the father fails to act as a positive role model for the adolescent son Jack; the parent’s subsequent illness and death further exacerbate the family’s dysfunction, leaving the children in a traumatic state of isolation without effective emotional support and guidance. Trapped in the closed and dysfunctional family system, 14-year-old Jack and 18-year-old Julie suffer severe identity crisis amid physical and psychological adolescent development. Lacking identification with peers and external role models, they descend into emotional loneliness and moral disorientation, even resorting to incestuous union as a distorted defensive response to fend off external threats. This narrative of adolescent identity crisis in a modern alienated society reflects McEwan’s profound reflection on dysfunctional families and the spiritual predicament of modern people as well as his deep concern for the emotional challenges faced by adolescents in the modern wasteland far from God.
Abstract: This paper explores the adolescent identity crisis experienced by the siblings in Ian McEwan’s The Cement Garden against the backdrop of a dysfunctional family, with a focus on the impacts of parental illness, death and inharmonious family power relations. Grounded in Erik H. Erikson’s identity development theory, the study analyzes the formative c...
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