The Dream
An old man seeks shelter from a peasant, who eagerly requests stories in exchange for hospitality. The old man agrees but prefers to rest first. After sleeping, he dreams of peculiar visions involving candles, animals, and strange occurrences within the peasant's household. Upon waking, he recounts his dream to the peasant, interpreting the symbols he saw. The candles represent angels, while the animals signify the relationships among the peasant's sons and their wives. A snake indicates a quarrel, a cat suggests discord, and a youth symbolizes harmony. The old man also describes unsettling sights, such as newts and frogs, which reflect the household's neglect and lack of proper rituals. The peasant confirms the old man's interpretations, revealing that the chaos in his home stems from his sons' and daughters-in-law's failures to maintain order and respect traditions. The old man’s dream serves as a metaphor for the state of the household, illustrating how neglect and discord can lead to a breakdown of familial bonds. The narrative concludes with a foreboding realization that the peasant's house may collapse upon his death, symbolizing the fragility of their family structure.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1876 · Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Literary Fiction · 834 words
First lines
One day an old, old man was wandering about the earth, and he asked for a night's shelter from the peasant. "Certainly," said the peasant -- "I shall be only too glad; only, will you go on telling me stories all night long?"
"Yes, all right! I will tell you stories; only, let me rest here."
What this Textopian page supports
The Dream is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1876 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
- Date: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Folklore, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Allegory
- Length: 834 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dream by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Dream?
- How does this short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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- The Tomb Of Pan by Lord Dunsany
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative includes dream sequences and surreal elements, such as talking animals and mystical interpretations of dreams.
- Folklore — The story reflects traditional storytelling methods and cultural beliefs, typical of folklore, with moral lessons embedded in the narrative.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and explores deeper themes of life, relationships, and societal norms.
- Magical Realism — The blending of magical elements with realistic settings and situations characterizes the story's unique style.
Tags
Folklore · Russian Literature · Mythology · Dreams · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Cultural Significance · Anthropology · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mystery · Fantasy