The Dream of Eternity
The novel revolves around the life of a young man who becomes infatuated with an older woman and her daughter. The story explores themes of love, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. It delves into the protagonist's inner turmoil as he grapples with his desires and the societal expectations placed upon him.
By Hjalmar Soderberg · First published 1904 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction · 1,371 words
First lines
While I was still very young I believed with entire certainty that I had an immortal soul. I regarded this as a holy and precious gift and was both happy and proud over it.
I often said to myself: "The life I am living is a dark and troubled dream. Some time I shall awaken to another dream which stands closer to reality and has a deeper meaning than this. Out of that dream I shall awaken to a third and afterwards to a fourth, and every new dream will stand nearer the truth than the one before. This approaching toward truth constitutes the meaning of life, which is subtle and profound."
What this Textopian page supports
The Dream of Eternity is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hjalmar Soderberg, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hjalmar Soderberg
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Drama
- Length: 1,371 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dream of Eternity by Hjalmar Soderberg
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Dream of Eternity?
- How does this short story by Hjalmar Soderberg fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Uniter Of Souls by Fyodor Sologub
- The Created Legend by Fyodor Sologub
- The Search by Fyodor Sologub
- Touch And Sight by Leo Tolstoy
- The Road And The Light by Fyodor Sologub
- The Best by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep existential themes, particularly the nature of the soul and immortality, prompting readers to reflect on profound philosophical questions.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's internal struggles and emotional turmoil are central to the plot, delving into the psyche and the impact of existential thoughts on mental state.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in symbolism, focusing on character development and thematic depth rather than plot-driven action.
- Gothic Fiction — The atmosphere is imbued with a sense of decay and darkness, contributing to a haunting exploration of mortality and the supernatural.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Existential Crisis · Swedish Literature · Literary Classic · Stream-of-Consciousness · Inner Turmoil · Mental Health · Identity Crisis · Nihilism · Absurdity · Human Condition