Key Points
Author
Charles Lamb (1775-1834) was an English essayist, poet, and antiquarian, best known for his essays of “Elia” published in London Magazine. Lamb’s work is characterized by its blend of wit, warmth, and melancholy, often reflecting his own life experiences, including his close relationship with his sister Mary, with whom he lived for most of his life. Lamb’s essays are cherished for their intimate, conversational style and the depth of human feeling they convey.
Introduction
“Dream-Children: A Reverie,” first published in 1822, is one of Charles Lamb’s most celebrated essays. The piece is a poignant and reflective narrative in which the author imagines recounting his family’s history to his fictional children. The essay delves into themes of memory, loss, and unfulfilled dreams, encapsulating the tender and bittersweet nature of Lamb’s reminiscences.
Structure
The essay is structured as a single, continuous narrative without clear breaks or sections. It flows naturally from one memory to another, mimicking the way thoughts and recollections might surface in a conversation or daydream. This fluid structure enhances the dreamlike quality of the narrative, blurring the lines between past and present, reality and imagination.
Setting
The primary setting of the essay is the grand, old house in Norfolk where the narrator’s grandmother Field lived. This house, with its vast, empty rooms, worn hangings, and expansive gardens, serves as a nostalgic backdrop for many of the narrator’s childhood memories. The setting is described in rich, vivid detail, creating a sense of place that is both specific and evocative of a bygone era.
Theme
Memory and Nostalgia:
The essay revolves around memories—those of Elia (Charles Lamb) and the stories he shares with his children.
Memories of Mrs. Field, the grand house, and Uncle John evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Lamb’s vivid descriptions transport readers to a bygone era, emphasizing the power of memory to shape our emotions and perceptions.
Loss and Longing:
The theme of loss permeates the essay. Elia mourns the passing of loved ones—Mrs. Field and Uncle John.
John’s death leaves a void, and Elia reflects on missed opportunities and unexpressed gratitude.
The ache of longing underscores the impermanence of life and relationships.
Imagination and Reality:
The essay blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Elia’s dream-like narrative weaves memories, dreams, and emotions.
The transformation of Alice—the soul of the first Alice appearing in the second—hints at the fluidity of existence.
Imagination allows Elia to revisit the past, resurrecting loved ones and reliving moments.
Human Connections and Legacy:
Elia’s desire to share stories with his children emphasizes the importance of passing down family history.
The great house, the wood carving, and the memories become part of their legacy.
Through storytelling, Elia bridges generations, connecting the past with the present.
Style
Lamb’s writing style in “Dream-Children: A Reverie” is characterized by its conversational tone and rich descriptive detail. The essay blends elements of prose and poetry, creating a lyrical quality that enhances its emotional impact. Lamb’s use of first-person narration invites readers into his intimate reflections, making the essay feel personal and relatable.
Message
The central message of “Dream-Children: A Reverie” is the enduring power of memory and the way it shapes our identities. Through his nostalgic recollections, Lamb underscores the importance of cherishing our past, even as we grapple with its inevitable losses. The essay also highlights the human yearning for connection and the pain of unfulfilled dreams, reminding readers of the fragile, fleeting nature of life.
Charles Lamb
Early Life and Family Background
Born on February 10, 1775, in London, England.
Youngest child of John Lamb, a clerk for a barrister, and Elizabeth Field.
Close relationship with his sister, Mary Lamb, who suffered from mental illness.
Education
Attended Christ’s Hospital, a charity boarding school in London.
Formed a lifelong friendship with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a fellow student.
Career Beginnings
Worked as a clerk for the East India Company from 1792 until his retirement in 1825.
Began his literary career writing poetry and prose while maintaining his clerical job.
Personal Struggles
Faced personal tragedies, including his sister Mary’s mental breakdown in 1796, during which she killed their mother.
Took on the responsibility of caring for Mary for the rest of his life.
Literary Contributions
Best known for his essays, particularly those collected in “Essays of Elia” (1823) and “Last Essays of Elia” (1833).
His works often feature a mix of wit, warmth, and melancholy, reflecting his own life experiences.
Authored “Tales from Shakespeare” (1807) with his sister Mary, making Shakespeare’s plays accessible to children.
Essays of Elia
Written under the pseudonym Elia, these essays cover a wide range of topics from personal reflections to social commentary.
Renowned for their conversational tone and rich descriptive detail.
Notable essays include “Dream-Children: A Reverie,” “A Dissertation upon Roast Pig,” and “The Praise of Chimney-Sweepers.”
Style and Themes
Writing style characterized by a blend of prose and poetry, creating a lyrical quality.
Common themes include memory, nostalgia, the passage of time, and the human condition.
Frequently uses humor and irony to explore deeper emotional truths.
Relationships with Other Writers
Maintained friendships with prominent literary figures such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and Robert Southey.
His correspondence with these writers provides valuable insights into his thoughts and literary philosophy.
Later Life and Death
Retired from the East India Company in 1825, devoting more time to writing and caring for Mary.
Continued to write and publish until his death.
Died on December 27, 1834, in Edmonton, London, at the age of 59.
Legacy
Considered one of the greatest English essayists.
His essays are celebrated for their charm, wit, and insight into the human experience.
Influence extends beyond his own time, impacting future generations of writers and readers.
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Reverie | A state of being pleasantly lost in one’s thoughts; daydream | कल्पना, स्वप्नविलास |
| Conception | The way in which something is perceived or regarded; an idea or notion | धारणा, विचार |
| Grandame | Grandmother | दादी |
| Crept | Moved slowly and quietly in order to avoid being noticed | धीरे-धीरे चलना, चुपके से चलना |
| Ballad of the Children in the Wood | A traditional English ballad about two children abandoned in the woods | बच्चों की वन-कथा (एक पुरानी इंग्लिश गाथा) |
| Robin redbreast | A small bird with a red breast, commonly found in Europe | लाल ब्रेस्ट वाला रोबिन पक्षी |
| Upbraiding | Scolding or reproaching someone severely | तिरस्कार, डाँटना |
| Abbey | A building or complex where monks or nuns live, usually including a church | मठ, धार्मिक आश्रम |
| Tawdry gilt drawing-room | A drawing-room (living room) that is gaudily decorated and of cheap appearance | सस्ती चमकदार सजावट वाला लिविंग रूम |
| Concourse | A large open space in a public building or a gathering of people | खुला क्षेत्र, भीड़ |
| Psaltery | A stringed musical instrument used in ancient times, similar to a harp | प्राचीन तंतूवाध्य यंत्र |
| Desisted | Ceased or stopped doing something | रुकना, विराम लेना |
| Stoop | To bend forward or downward; a small porch or platform before a door | झुकना, छोटा सा बरामदा |
| Apparition | A ghost or ghost-like image of a person | भूत, प्रेत |
| Twelve Caesars | A reference to a collection of biographies of Roman emperors written by Suetonius | बारह सीज़र (रोमन साम्राज्य के शासक) |
| Fluttering tapestry | Decorative cloth or fabric that moves or waves gently | लहराता हुआ कालीन |
| Carved oaken panels | Wooden panels that have been sculpted or engraved | खुदे हुए लकड़ी के पैनल |
| Nectarines | Smooth-skinned peaches | नेक्टरीन (एक प्रकार का फल) |
| Peaches | A soft, round fruit with juicy yellow or white flesh and a central pit | आड़ू (फल) |
| Strolling | Walking in a leisurely and relaxed manner | सैर करना, आराम से चलना |
| Yew trees | Trees with dark green needle-like leaves and red berries; often used for hedges | यु (एक प्रकार का वृक्ष) |
| Dace | A small freshwater fish | एक प्रकार की छोटी मछली |
| Darted | Moved suddenly and quickly | तेजी से भागना, झपटना |
| Sulky pike | A pike (fish) with a sulky or sullen appearance | उदासीन पाइक (मछली) |
| Impertinent friskings | Impudent or irrelevant playful movements | अयोग्य चंचलता, उद्दंड हरकतें |
| Slyly | In a cunning or deceitful manner | चालाकी से, धूर्तता से |
| Relinquish | To give up or surrender something | त्यागना, छोड़ देना |
| Solitary corners | Isolated or lonely corners | एकाकी कोने |
| Mettlesome | Full of spirit and courage; lively and spirited | साहसी, उर्जावान |
| Lame-footed | Having difficulty walking due to a physical injury or condition | लंगड़ा, चलने में कठिनाई |
| Haunted | Occupied or visited by ghosts or spirits | प्रेतबाधित |
| Courted | To seek the affection or favor of someone, especially in a romantic context | दरवाज़ा बनाना, प्रेम प्रदर्शित करना |
| Coyness | Shyness or modesty intended to be alluring | शर्मीला व्यवहार |
| Maidens | Young unmarried women or girls | किशोरियाँ, अविवाहित महिलाएँ |
| Re-presentment | The act of presenting something again or differently | पुनः प्रस्तुतिकरण |
| Thee | An old-fashioned or poetic way of saying “you” | तुम, तुम्हें |
| Tedious shores of Lethe | A reference to the mythical river Lethe in Greek mythology, associated with forgetfulness | लेथे की थकाऊ तट (भूलने की नदी) |
| John L (or James Elia) | Refers to Charles Lamb’s brother or a pseudonym used by him | जॉन एल (या जेम्स एलिया) |
