Dream Children: A Reverie is a short essay written by Charles Lamb in the early 19th century. In it, Lamb reflects on the nature of childhood and how it differs from adulthood. He begins by recalling a dream in which he meets two children who are the children of his own imagination. These children represent the idea of childhood innocence and freedom, and Lamb longs to return to that state of being.
As he reflects on his own childhood, Lamb remembers how carefree and innocent he was. He remembers the joy of playing and exploring the world around him, and how he was able to find wonder in the simple things. In contrast, he observes that as adults, we are often burdened by the responsibilities and stresses of everyday life. We no longer have the time or energy to find joy in the small things, and our sense of wonder and curiosity is often lost.
Lamb also touches on the idea of nostalgia, and how we often look back on our childhood with a sense of longing and regret. We long to return to that simpler time, but we know that it is impossible. As Lamb writes, "We are all dream children, children of an older, perhaps wiser, but certainly more playful generation." We can never truly return to the carefree days of childhood, but we can still hold onto the memories of that time and try to incorporate some of that sense of wonder and playfulness into our adult lives.
Overall, Dream Children: A Reverie is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the nature of childhood and the passage of time. Through his words, Lamb captures the essence of what it means to be a child and the longing we often feel to return to that state of innocence. It is a reminder to cherish the memories of our own childhoods and to try to hold onto that sense of wonder and playfulness, even as we navigate the complexities of adult life.
Charles Lamb: Essays “Dream
So his agitated mind creates his dream children John and Alice. He spent his days picking the various fruit from around the grounds of the estate. Lamb narrates to his children the story of the tragic scene that had been carved out in the wood upon chimney-piece of the great hall in the great house of his grandmother, however, this wood chimney was then replaced by a marble chimney by the owner. He attended Lamb affectionately when he was ill and lame-footed. We are only what might have been. The writer recollects all nostalgic memories of the great house with its empty rooms, corridors, garden, orangery and a fish pond. She was a great dancer until she was stricken by cancer, but even in the grip of that disease, she didn't lose any of her good spirits.
Dream Children: A Reverie by Charles Lamb
Lamb is very important essayist in 19 century a group of romantic essayists. Charles lamb considered as most lovable figure in English literature by many critics. Summary Charles lamb begins his Essay A Dream children by describing about his childhood to young children Alice and John, the tales of childhood when he used to live with his great grandmother Mrs Field. GradeSaver, 11 April 2022 Web. . To those children, rather dream-children, the author seems to relate the account of his past, of his grandmother Mrs.
Significance of the Title Dream Children: A Reverie
He used to roam around the large silent rooms of the huge house and looked through the worn-out hangings, fluttering-tapestry and the carved oaken panels. The reaction and response the children in the essay reflect the effect of the story on their mind and turns the essay dramatic. Lamb, along with his siblings and cousins, visited his grandmother in holidays where they, particularly he, spend most of the hours gazing around the old sculptors of the Emperors of Rome. She used to sleep by herself in a desolate chamber of the great house. Of course, he was not permitted to pick any fruit. This essay is an outburst of emotions that we can feel throughout the essay.
