The Dream by Madison Cawein (1904)
The work presents a vivid dreamscape characterized by a surreal, tropical afternoon illuminated by a full moon. The setting is a tranquil, ethereal realm devoid of sunlight, filled with expansive skies and clouds that rain colors, suggesting a mystical beauty. The landscape features lush orchards bearing ripe fruits, symbolizing abundance and sensuality, alongside rolling hills with streams that sparkle like silver. The atmosphere is infused with a strange, intoxicating music that evokes deep emotions, drawing forth images of ethereal beings adorned with star-like flowers. This music resonates with the natural world, blending the sounds of bees and the surf of distant seas, creating a tapestry of sensory experiences. The dream reflects themes of beauty, desire, and the longing for connection, encapsulating a sense of unfulfilled yearning and the bittersweet nature of love. The imagery is rich and layered, inviting contemplation of the interplay between nature, dreams, and human emotions.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism · 419 words
First lines
My dream was such: It seemed the afternoon Of some deep tropic day, and yet a moon Stood round and full with largeness of white gleams High in a Heaven that knew not a sun's beams; A vast, still Heaven of unremembered dreams. Long, lawny lengths of perishable cloud Hung in a West o'er rolling forests bowed; Clouds raining colors, gold and violet That, opening, seemed from hidden worlds to let Down hints of mystic beauty and old charms Wrought of frail creatures fair with silvery forms. And all about me fruited orchards grew Of quince and peach and dusty plums of blue; Wan apricots and apples red with fire, Kissed into ripeness by some sun's desire, And big with juice; and on far, fading hills, Down which it seemed a hundred torrent rills Flashed leaping silver, vines and vines and vines Of purple vintage swollen with cool wines; Pale pleasant wines and fragrant as the June, Their delicate life robbed from the foam-fair moon.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dream is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism, Symbolism, Fantasy
- Length: 419 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Dream?
- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotions and vivid imagery aligns it closely with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth reflect the ideals of the Romantic movement.
- Imagism — The use of precise imagery and sensory details is indicative of Imagist poetry.
- Symbolism — The poem employs symbols to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions.
Tags
Poetry · Dreams · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Nature · Mystery · Fantasy · Romance · Emotion · Psychology