IN-A Dream Flashcards
What is the general story of ‘a Dream’?
A mother ant has lost her way in the night and dears for her children. She wonders if they are crying over their lost mother while she is gone longer than expected. A glow-worm and a beetle hear her cries and show her the way to her family.
What 2 poems does this poems theme and imagery parallel?
“Little Boy Lost” and
“Little Boy Found”
What does the mother ant represent?
the human soul,, longing for the peace and comfort that only God can give
How does God intervene in this poem?
he intervenes as the glow-worm, who lights the path, and the beetle who gives direction; both of whom reunite the lost ant with her family for the restoration of th maternal relationship
The father ant in “A Dream” sits at him and “sighs” while the father in “Little Boy Lost” does what?
leaves his son behind
How are the chosen beetle and glowworm type of Blake’s interest in the Songs of Innocence?
as they are amongst the humblest of living creatures
In Blake’s view, it is a condition of innocence that human beings experience their continuity with the whole living universe, this is in tune with what?
with the Christian teaching on caring for even the least of God’s creatures
What is the emotion of the second stanza?
there is a strong rendition of a condition of fear
It was said that Blake’s ideas came from dreams or visions as he was dictated to by whom?
by higher powers
“my angel-guarded bed” what is the imagery surrounding angels?
the imagery of angels is in the Christian tradition of angels as protective spirits.
What does the “tangled spray” indicate?
this indicates the real and psychological confusion
How does the author use imagination in this poem?
as a retreat from awareness of vulnerability and negativity
In contrast to which 2 poems does the Dream portray a caring parent who emphasises with her offspring and actively seeks them?
The Chimney Sweeper and little Boy Lost
While “A Dream” portrays a caring parent who emphasises with her offspring however what does Blake still allude to?
to circumstances beyond a parents control which can disrupt the parental bond
What effects does “A Dream” highlight?
the effects of isolation and separation from community. Iy is characterised by tears, sighs and darkness demonstrated by the fact that the mother ant is “troubled, wilder and forlorn”
