Poem Analysis - Self And Dream Self

Introduction: A Journey Between Worlds

Les Murray's "Self And Dream Self" is a contemplative exploration of the boundary between our conscious waking life and the subconscious realm of dreams. The poem navigates the porous nature of this border, where memories, anxieties, and desires intertwine. The tone is initially melancholic, tinged with a sense of fading and laboriousness, but it shifts to moments of urgency and even horror within the dreamscape. Ultimately, the poem circles back to the waking world, leaving the reader to ponder the impact of these dream encounters.

The Labor of Living, the Ease of Dreaming: Contrasting Realities

The poem establishes a stark contrast between the burden of waking life and the seemingly effortless flow of dreams. The opening lines emphasize the "laborious" nature of reality, described with a scientific detachment, while the dream unfolds "at the pace of drift." This highlights a central theme: the allure of escaping into the subconscious, where the self can regress to a "deathless younger self." However, this escape is not without its own anxieties, suggesting that even in dreams, we cannot fully evade the complexities of existence.

Mortality and the Fading of Time

The poem grapples with the theme of mortality, primarily through the depiction of "decaying time" and the yearning for a "deathless younger self." The dream offers a temporary reprieve from the relentless march of time, a space where the past resurfaces and the self can exist in a more vibrant, idealized form. However, the recurring imagery of "shreds of story" and being "dismissed" from the dream suggests that even this youthful immortality is fleeting and ultimately subject to the constraints of time and consciousness.

The Unreliability of Connection: Failed Trysts and Isolation

A key theme within the poem is the difficulty of forging meaningful connections, particularly within the dream world. The lines, "yet few loves return: trysts seem unkeepable," express a profound sense of isolation. Even when "urgencies from your time" appear, they are quickly followed by a feeling of separation and horror as the dreamer witnesses the "defiling down steep fence into an imminence." This image evokes a sense of impending doom and the inability to prevent the corruption of something sacred, underscoring the theme of failed connections and the individual's ultimate solitude.

Symbolism of the Dream Library: A Repository of the Mind

The "library of wood shingles" serves as a powerful symbol of the dream itself. It represents the vast repository of memories, experiences, and archetypes that shape our subconscious. The "plain mythic furniture" suggests the foundational, almost primal nature of these elements. However, the library is not a peaceful sanctuary; it is also a site of unease and fragmented narratives, reflecting the chaotic and often unsettling nature of the dream experience. The use of "wood shingles" and "furniture" creates an image of familiarity and everyday life with a slight twist of something unreal; this strangeness contributes to the dreamlike atmosphere.

Conclusion: Echoes of the Subconscious

"Self And Dream Self" is a poignant meditation on the complex relationship between our waking and dream lives. The poem suggests that dreams, while offering a temporary escape from the "laborious" reality of time and mortality, are also fraught with anxieties and the pain of unfulfilled connections. The fading imagery and shifts in tone create a sense of disorientation, mirroring the experience of navigating the subconscious. Ultimately, the poem implies that the echoes of our dreams continue to resonate within our waking consciousness, shaping our perceptions and influencing our understanding of ourselves.