The Dream by Mary Shelley (1851)
The novel follows the story of a young woman named Clara, who is living in a small village in England. Clara is a dreamer, and she often has vivid dreams that she believes are prophetic. One night, she has a dream that she is taken away to a strange land, where she meets a mysterious man who tells her that she is the chosen one who will save the world from destruction. Clara embarks on a journey to fulfill her destiny, and along the way she meets a variety of characters, including a wise old man, a beautiful princess, and a powerful wizard. As she travels, she discovers secrets about her past and the world she is in. She also learns about the power of love and friendship, and how they can help her in her quest. In the end, Clara must make a difficult decision that will determine the fate of the world. Will she be able to save it, or will it be destroyed?
By Mary Shelley · First published 1851 · Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Gothic · 5,551 words
First lines
The time of the occurrence of the little legend about to be narrated, was that of the commencement of the reign of Henry IV of France, whose accession and conversion, while they brought peace to the kingdom whose throne he ascended, were inadequate to heal the deep wounds mutually inflicted by the inimical parties. Private feuds, and the memory of mortal injuries, existed between those now apparently united; and often did the hands that had clasped each p other in seeming friendly greeting, involuntarily, as the grasp was released, clasp the dagger's hilt, as fitter spokesman to their passions than the words of courtesy that had just fallen from their lips. Many of the fiercer Catholics retreated to their distant provinces; and while they concealed in solitude their rankling discontent, not less keenly did they long for the day when they might show it openly. In a large and fortified château built on a rugged steep overlooking the Loire, not far from the town of Nantes, dwelt the last of her race, and the heiress of their fortunes, the young and beautiful Countess de Villeneuve. She had spent the preceding year in complete solitude in her secluded abode; and the mourning she wore for a father and two brothers, the victims of the civil wars, was a graceful and good reason why she did not appear at court, and mingle with its festivities. But the orphan countess inherited a high name and broad lands; and it was soon signified to her that the king, her guardian, desired that she should bestow them, together with her hand, upon some noble whose birth and accomplishments should entitle him to the gift. Constance, in reply, expressed her intention of taking vows, and retiring to a convent. The king earnestly and resolutely forbade this act, believing such an idea to be the result of sensibility overwrought by sorrow, and relying on the hope that, after a time, the genial spirit of youth would break through this cloud.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dream is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Shelley, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Shelley
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Gothic, Romanticism
- Length: 5,551 words
- Structure: 1 section, 55 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dream by Mary Shelley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- 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 Mary Shelley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Phantasmagoria by D. H. Lawrence
- The Nightmare by G. K. Chesterton
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- The Wild Knight And Other Poems The Mirror Of Madmen by G. K. Chesterton
- The Wild Knight And Other Poems The Skeleton by G. K. Chesterton
- On Ghosts by Mary Shelley
Genres
- Romance — The Dream follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with a mysterious stranger, and the two embark on a passionate journey together.
- Fantasy — The Dream contains elements of fantasy, such as the mysterious stranger and the dream-like setting in which the story takes place.
- Gothic — The Dream contains elements of Gothic literature, such as the mysterious stranger, the dream-like setting, and the dark and mysterious atmosphere.
- Romanticism — The Dream is written in a style that is characteristic of Romanticism, with its focus on emotion, nature, and the power of the imagination.
Tags
dream · Mary Shelley · literature · romanticism · gothic · imagination · psychology · symbolism · narrative · fantasy · existentialism · vision