Dreams

Definition

Dreams are a series of thoughts, images, or sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep. In literature, they often symbolize the subconscious, desires, and fears, acting as a lens through which characters confront their innermost conflicts. In the context of Shakespearean tragedy, dreams can reveal characters' aspirations and foreshadow events, emphasizing themes of fate and the often blurred line between reality and illusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In many Shakespearean tragedies, characters experience dreams or visions that act as prophetic warnings about their futures, such as Macbeth's hallucination of a dagger.
2. Dreams can serve to highlight the internal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by characters, reflecting their desires or fears.
3. Shakespeare often uses dreams to blur the lines between reality and illusion, making audiences question what is true and what is merely perceived.
4. The theme of dreams in tragedies often ties into larger ideas about ambition and the consequences of unchecked desire.
5. Characters' interpretations of their dreams can drive their actions and decisions, significantly impacting the plot's development and ultimate tragic outcomes.

Review Questions

• How do dreams function as a literary device in Shakespearean tragedies to reveal characters' inner conflicts?
  • In Shakespearean tragedies, dreams serve as a literary device that exposes characters' inner conflicts and motivations. For example, when characters experience dreams or visions, it often reflects their subconscious thoughts or fears. This device allows audiences to gain insight into characters' struggles with ambition, guilt, or foreboding, which can foreshadow tragic outcomes and enhance emotional depth within the narrative.
• Discuss the relationship between dreams and fate in Shakespeare's works. How do these concepts interact?
  • Dreams and fate are intricately linked in Shakespeare's works, as dreams often serve as prophetic symbols that hint at future events determined by fate. Characters who ignore or misinterpret their dreams frequently face dire consequences. For instance, in 'Macbeth', the titular character's dreams of power lead him down a path of ambition that ultimately fulfills his tragic fate. This interplay emphasizes the inevitability of fate while showcasing how human choices can lead to tragedy.
• Evaluate the impact of dream symbolism on the overall themes present in Shakespearean tragedy. What insights can we gain from this analysis?
  • Analyzing dream symbolism in Shakespearean tragedies reveals profound insights into themes such as ambition, morality, and the nature of reality. Dreams not only reflect characters' desires but also serve as harbingers of their downfalls due to hubris or ethical failures. This dual role enhances our understanding of how Shakespeare explores human nature and the consequences of one's actions. Ultimately, these themes resonate with audiences, highlighting the timeless struggle between aspiration and moral integrity.

Related terms

Fate: The predetermined course of events in a person's life, often seen as unchangeable and leading to tragic outcomes.

Hamartia: A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy.

Supernatural: Elements that transcend the natural world, often influencing characters' destinies and adding to the dramatic tension in a play.