Dream by James Whitcomb Riley (1888)
The poem explores the idea that dreams are a reflection of one's deepest desires and fears. It describes a dream where the speaker is walking through a beautiful landscape, but upon waking, they realize it was just a dream. The poem suggests that reality is often dull and grey compared to the vibrant colors of our imagination. The speaker reflects on how their dream was more real than their waking life, and how they wish they could stay in this dream world forever. However, they are forced back into reality by the harsh light of day. Throughout the poem, there is a sense of longing and nostalgia for the freedom and joy that comes with dreaming. The speaker seems to be lamenting the fact that dreams are fleeting and can never be truly experienced in real life. The poem also touches on the idea that our waking lives are often dull and mundane compared to the excitement and adventure of our dreams.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Symbolism · 316 words
First lines
Because her eyes were far too deep And holy for a laugh to leap Across the brink where sorrow tried To drown within the amber tide; Because the looks, whose ripples kissed The trembling lids through tender mist, Were dazzled with a radiant gleam -- Because of this I called her "Dream."
Because the roses growing wild About her features when she smiled Were ever dewed with tears that fell With tenderness ineffable; Because her lips might spill a kiss That, dripping in a world like this, Would tincture death's myrrh-bitter stream To sweetness -- so I called her "Dream."
What this Textopian page supports
Dream is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Symbolism, Lyric, Mystical
- Length: 316 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Flower Salute by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- A Dream by Matthew Arnold
- Shadow And Shine by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Charm Invests A Face by Emily Dickinson
- The Garden Of Dreams by Madison Cawein
- My Dream by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — The themes of love, beauty, and idealization of the subject align with romantic literature.
- Symbolism — The use of 'Dream' as a metaphor and the symbolic imagery throughout the text suggest a symbolic genre.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional expression of feelings and thoughts is typical of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Dreams · Imagination · Symbolism · Fantasy · Romanticism · Nature · Beauty · Mortality · Afterlife