Dream World by R. A. Lafferty (1970)
The novel explores the concept of a dream world that exists parallel to reality, where characters can enter and manipulate their own subconscious thoughts and desires. The story follows a group of individuals who are drawn into this dream world, where they must confront their deepest fears and desires in order to escape. As they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the dream world, the characters begin to realize that their actions have consequences not only within the dream but also in the real world. They must use their wits and resourcefulness to survive and ultimately find a way back home. Throughout the novel, themes of identity, free will, and the nature of reality are explored through the lens of the dream world. The narrative is characterized by its surreal and often unsettling atmosphere, which reflects the fragmented and illogical nature of the subconscious mind.
By R. A. Lafferty · First published 1970 · Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror · 2,783 words
First lines
He was a morning type, so it was unusual that he should feel depressed in the morning. He tried to account for it, and could not.
He was a healthy man, so he ate a healthy breakfast. He was not too depressed for that. And he listened unconsciously to the dark girl with the musical voice. Often she ate at Cahill's in the mornings with her girl friend.
What this Textopian page supports
Dream World is listed on Textopian as a short story by R. A. Lafferty, dated 1970 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: R. A. Lafferty
- Date: 1970 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Satire, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,783 words
- Structure: 1 section, 68 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dream World by R. A. Lafferty
- 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 Dream World?
- How does this short story by R. A. Lafferty fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Eyes Have It by Philip K. Dick
- The Creatures That Time Forgot by Ray Bradbury
- The Piper by Ray Bradbury
- The Call From Beyond by Clifford D. Simak
- In The Garden by R. A. Lafferty
- Out Of The Iron Womb by Poul Anderson
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative explores surreal and dreamlike elements, creating an alternate reality that challenges perceptions of existence.
- Science Fiction — The story delves into psychological phenomena and societal reactions to shared dreams, reflecting on the implications of collective experiences.
- Horror — The depiction of grotesque imagery and nightmarish scenarios evokes a sense of dread and discomfort.
- Satire — The work critiques societal norms and human behavior through absurdity and exaggeration, particularly in response to the shared dream phenomenon.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Alternate Reality · Dreams · Psychological Thriller · Philosophical Themes · Speculative Fiction · Social Commentary · Satire · Absurdist Humor · Magical Realism · Mythology