A Dream, Edgar Allan Poe: Summary, Analysis & Themes

"A Dream" is a lyric poem by Edgar Allan Poe that delves into the blurred line between dreams and reality, exploring the melancholic confusion of a dreamer who mourns a lost joy. The poem first appeared without a title in "Tamerlane and Other Poems" in 1827 and was later titled when published in "Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems" in 1829.

"A Dream" Poem Text by Edgar Allan Poe

In visions of the dark night
I have dreamed of joy departed—
But a waking dream of life and light
Hath left me broken-hearted.

Ah! what is not a dream by day
To him whose eyes are cast
On things around him with a ray
Turned back upon the past?

That holy dream—that holy dream,
While all the world were chiding,
Hath cheered me as a lovely beam
A lonely spirit guiding.

What though that light, thro’ storm and night,
So trembled from afar—
What could there be more purely bright
In Truth’s day-star?

Quick Facts

Title:	A Dream
Author:	Edgar Allan Poe
Published:	1829
Genre:	Lyric Poem
Theme:	Dreams, Reality, Loss
Poem Length:	16 lines
Meter:	Iambic Tetrameter
Rhyme Scheme:	ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH

Summary of "A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe

In the poem "A Dream," the speaker reflects on a deep sense of loss and confusion. They have dreamed of a joy that has now departed, leaving them heartbroken even when awake. The speaker questions what isn't a dream, as everything around them seems to remind them of the past. The speaker clings to the memory of a dream that once provided them with hope and guidance, even though it was distant and fleeting. Despite the challenges and sorrows, this dream, though dim, remains a source of comfort in their life.

Critical Analysis of "A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe

"A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe captures the profound melancholy that comes from...

Major Themes in "A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe

• Dream vs. Reality: The poem explores the tension between dreams and reality, where the dream world offers solace that the real world lacks.
• Loss and Grief: The speaker mourns a departed joy, highlighting the theme of loss.
• Memory: The past haunts the speaker, showing the impact of memory on present emotions.

Stylistic Analysis of "A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe

• Meter: The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, providing a rhythmic and flowing structure.
• Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH, creating a harmonious and melodic quality.
• Alliteration: The use of alliteration, such as in "life and light," enhances the musicality of the poem.
• Imagery: Poe employs vivid imagery, particularly in describing dreams as beams of light.
• Symbolism: The "day-star" symbolizes a guiding light, possibly representing hope or truth.