Poem Analysis - We Dream It Is Good We Are Dreaming

Fleeting Comfort and the Allure of Dreams

Emily Dickinson's "We Dream it Is Good We Are Dreaming" explores the fragile boundary between dreams and reality, suggesting a preference for the comforting illusion of the former. The poem opens with a tone of acceptance, even indulgence, towards dreaming, but gradually darkens as it acknowledges the potential for pain in waking. Ultimately, it advocates for the safety and control offered by the dream world, implying that the realities of life are too harsh to bear. The poem’s mood shifts from complacency to cautious contemplation, culminating in a resigned preference for the dream state.

The Embrace of Illusion

One of the central themes is the allure of illusion as a shield against the harsh realities of life. The opening line immediately establishes the preference for the dream state: "We dream it is good we are dreaming." This initial assertion isn't a statement of objective truth, but rather a declaration of subjective comfort. The poem contrasts the harmless, performative suffering of dreams ("playing kill us, / And we are playing shriek") with the irreversible finality of death in the real world ("Men die externally"). This comparison suggests that the controlled drama of dreams is preferable to the uncontrolled and permanent drama of reality. The phrase "It is a truth of Blood" hints at the inherited, unavoidable nature of suffering and mortality, further justifying the desire to escape into dreams.

Mortality's Shadow and the Drama of Existence

Another prominent theme is the exploration of mortality. While the poem acknowledges physical death, it seems more concerned with a different kind of demise: the potential death of the self through disillusionment. The fear of waking from the dream stems not just from the pain of awareness, but also from the possibility that the “Phantasm” will prove to be a “Mistake.” This suggests that the self-deception inherent in dreaming is crucial for maintaining a sense of identity or purpose. The "livid Surprise" implies a shock so profound it could shatter the dreamer’s constructed reality, leading to a kind of existential death that is even more frightening than physical death. The contrast between "external" death and dying "in Drama" posits that the drama of conscious existence itself is a form of mortality, more pervasive and perhaps more devastating than mere physical termination.

The Weight of Reality and the Desire for Escape

The poem also touches upon the theme of isolation, not in the traditional sense of loneliness, but rather in the sense of being separated from truth and genuine experience. The lines "Cautious We jar each other / And either open the eyes" suggest a fear of disrupting the shared illusion. There is a sense of collective delusion, where individuals cautiously maintain the dream state, afraid that any sudden awakening will expose the falsity of their shared reality. The image of being cooled "to Shafts of Granite / With just an Age and Name" symbolizes the petrification and emotional detachment that comes with facing reality head-on. The “phrase in Egyptian” represents a forgotten, unknowable past, suggesting that true understanding and connection are ultimately unattainable, further justifying the retreat into the manageable world of dreams. The poem implies it is "prudenter to dream" because connection to others in reality requires facing harsh truths.

Granite and Egyptian Phrases: Symbols of Endurance and Mystery

The imagery of "Shafts of Granite" evokes a sense of coldness, permanence, and immobility. Granite, a hard and durable stone, suggests the emotional hardening that occurs when one confronts the harsh realities of life. It symbolizes the way that the pursuit of truth can lead to a kind of emotional death, a state of being where one is no longer susceptible to the joys and sorrows of the human experience. The "phrase in Egyptian" is a particularly evocative symbol. It represents something ancient, mysterious, and ultimately unknowable. The suggestion that it is preferable to have such a phrase rather than face reality implies that the allure of the unknown and the power of suggestion are more comforting than the harsh light of truth. Is this phrase in Egyptian representative of an author’s work, doomed to be misunderstood by some, yet interpreted forever?

A Final Reverie on the Prudence of Dreams

In conclusion, "We Dream it Is Good We Are Dreaming" is a poignant exploration of the human desire to escape the pain and uncertainty of reality. Through vivid imagery and carefully chosen language, Dickinson crafts a compelling argument for the allure of dreams, suggesting that the controlled drama of the dream world is preferable to the uncontrollable and potentially devastating drama of waking life. The poem ultimately offers a resigned acceptance of the human condition, acknowledging the inevitability of suffering while simultaneously advocating for the solace found in illusion. It suggests that perhaps, in a world filled with harsh realities, it is indeed "prudenter to dream."