Dreamland Poem Analysis

Isabella Calcatera
Mr. Robel
AP Lit
28 April, 2016
Dreamland Explication Essay The world of dreams is a confusing and ever shifting place. In Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “Dreamland” the reader is brought into his world of dreams and shown not only the odd and boundless landscape, but also Poe’s own feelings toward his dreams and even his waking world. In the first stanza of the poem the journey to Dreamland is described. In line one Poe describes his path to dreamworld as “obscure and lonely” and “haunted by ill angels.” The paradox of the phrase “ill angels,” is interesting to note. Angels are typically seen as perfect beings, shining beacons, but these angels are somehow lesser, possibly even demons. They do not grace the path with their presence

He begins by claiming that for those who have many troubles, dreamland is a place of respite. He seems to revel is the dismal atmosphere. This speaks to Poe’s troubles with reality, hinting that despite that fact that dreamworld is filled with ghosts, ghouls and sadness, it is still somehow better than the world from which he comes. “For the spirit that walks in shadow” dreamland is “Eldorado,” a place of riches and wonder. The use of the word shadow fits in with the theme of darkness and serves to connect Poe’s reality with the darkness of the dreamworld. However, despite any connection or feelings of happiness Poe may experience while in dreamworld, he can never be anything but a visitor simply “travelling through it.” This sense of restlessness within the traveler is an echo of the restlessness seen throughout dreamworld in the raging sea and also the moaning spirits themselves. Poe goes on to again disclose that man is not worthy to openly view or understand the world of dreams. “Never its mysteries are exposed/to the weak human eye unclosed,” meaning no matter how hard one looks, one will never be able to fully comprehend dreamworld. It is the king, whom the reader has already been introduced to as NIGHT, that demands this obfuscation. So, even though Poe’s “sad Soul” can find temporary peace in this place, he can only behold it “through darkened glasses.” The darkened glasses described standing for both

Poe’s description of dreamworld allows the reader to see and feel those emotions running through his head as he visits that other world. Poe’s attitude toward the world he describes is one of awe and also longing. He seems to dislike his inability to fully comprehend it, and to yearn for a time when he can understand and forever remain in the world of dreams and the