Dream Children: A Reverie Questions Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
What is the full name of the essay?
“Dream Children: A Reverie.”
Who are the dream children in the essay?
Alice and John.
What is the significance of the wood carving in the great hall?
It depicts the tragic scene from the ballad of the Children in the Wood.
Who was Mrs. Field, and what role did she play in the essay?
Mrs. Field was Elia’s grandmother and the caretaker of the grand house.
Why did Elia find more pleasure in exploring the gardens than in eating forbidden fruit?
The gardens held a sense of mystery and natural beauty.
Describe Uncle John L—— in a few words.
Handsome, spirited, and brave.
What haunted Elia after John’s death?
The realization of how much he had loved and missed his brother.
What transformation occurs in the essay involving Alice?
The soul of the first Alice seems to inhabit the second Alice’s eyes.
What is the central theme of “Dream Children”?
Memory, loss, and imagination.
Is “Dream Children: A Reverie” considered a personal essay?
Yes.
What is the writing style of Charles Lamb in this essay?
Eloquent and introspective.
What does the Norfolk house symbolize in the essay?
A place of memories and longing.
Who is the narrator of the essay?
Elia.
What is the fate of the wood carving in the great hall?
It is replaced by a modern marble chimney.
What emotion does Elia feel after John’s death?
Longing and loss.
What is the significance of the children’s tears at the end of the essay?
They represent the ephemeral nature of existence.
What is the dream-like quality of the essay?
It blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination.
What legacy does Elia hope to leave for Alice and John?
The stories of their ancestors.
What does Elia visualize himself as in the fantasy world?
The husband of Alice and the father of dream children.
What is the enduring power of love and memory in the essay?
It transcends time and mortality
When was Charles Lamb born?
February 10, 1775.
What was Charles Lamb’s primary occupation?
Clerk for the East India Company.
Who did Charles Lamb collaborate with on “Tales from Shakespeare”?
His sister, Mary Lamb.
What pseudonym did Charles Lamb use for his essays?
Elia.
Which essay collection is Charles Lamb best known for?
“Essays of Elia.”
What major personal tragedy did Charles Lamb face in 1796?
His sister Mary killed their mother during a mental breakdown.
Where did Charles Lamb receive his education?
Christ’s Hospital in London.
Which lifelong friend did Charles Lamb meet at Christ’s Hospital?
Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
In which year did Charles Lamb retire from the East India Company?
1825.
What is a central theme in Lamb’s essays?
Memory and nostalgia.
What style is Lamb’s writing known for?
A blend of prose and poetry with a conversational tone.
What notable essay by Lamb reflects on his personal memories and losses?
“Dream-Children: A Reverie.”
Which famous literary figures were friends with Charles Lamb?
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and Robert Southey.
When did Charles Lamb die?
December 27, 1834.
What is the primary setting in “Dream-Children: A Reverie”?
A grand old house in Norfolk.
What major responsibility did Lamb take on after his sister’s mental breakdown?
Caring for his sister Mary.
What was Charles Lamb’s father’s occupation?
A clerk for a barrister.
What was the main focus of Lamb’s “Essays of Elia”?
Personal reflections and social commentary.
What tone do Lamb’s essays typically have?
Warm, witty, and melancholic.
How is Charles Lamb’s literary legacy viewed?
As one of the greatest English essayists, celebrated for his charm and insight.
Whom does Lamb refer to as “faithful Bridget” by side?
Lamb had a sister, Mary Lamb, who did not marry since she had attacks of insanity. She has been referred to here as “faithful Bridget” because she never married and was Lamb’s only companion in his life. At the sudden breakdown of his reverie, he finds her seated by his side.
“But John L—(or James Elia) was gone forever”—Who was James Elia? Why does the author say this?
At the end of his day-dreaming Lamb coming back to reality finds his sister (Bridget) Mary Lamb by his side; but he realises and remembers that his brother James Elia or John Lamb had died and would no more be with them. So he laments his loss thus.
“Here Alice put out one of her dear mother’s looks, too tender to be called upbraiding”—What does the word ‘braiding’ mean here? What makes Alice react thus?
While describing the great country house in Norfolk, lamb tells his “dream children” that the chimney piece of the great hall was decorated by the curving of the story of Robin Redbreasts. At the information that a foolish person pulled it down, Alice’s countenance changed, which suggested that it should not have been done. The word ‘braiding’ here means castigation or censure.
Who is Lady C?
Lady C is described in the essay in the context of a rich person’s modern and tawdry drawing room. She is not directly involved in the story of the children’s great-grandmother Field or their family history. The essay mentions that the ornaments from the old house were moved to Lady C’s drawing room, where they looked out of place.
Who is Ceaser?
In the context of Charles Lamb’s essay “Dream-Children: A Reverie,” Caesar refers to the marble busts of the Twelve Caesars, which were Roman emperors, that decorated the great house where Lamb’s great-grandmother Field lived.
Who was Bartrum?
In Charles Lamb’s essay “Dream-Children: A Reverie,” Bartrum is mentioned as the father of the children of Alice, indicating that Alice married Bartrum.
Who was Alice Wintertan?
Alice Winterton is a character mentioned in Charles Lamb’s “Dream-Children: A Reverie.” She represents a fictional counterpart to Lamb’s real-life romantic interest, Ann Simmons. In the essay, Alice Winterton is portrayed as the woman Lamb loved, and he recounts the imaginary scenario where she married another man named Bartrum.
What is the ballad of the children inscribed in the wood and where is carved?
In Charles Lamb’s essay “Dream-Children: A Reverie,” the ballad of “The Children in the Wood” is described as a tragic story carved into the wood of the great house’s chimney-piece in Norfolk. The ballad narrates the tale of two children abandoned in the forest by their cruel uncle, who, despite their suffering, are eventually protected by sympathetic robins.
Short Answer Questions
How did Charles Lamb’s early life and family background influence his writing?
Charles Lamb’s early life was marked by a close-knit family and financial struggles. His father’s employment as a clerk and his mother’s subsequent death after Mary’s mental breakdown deeply affected him. These personal tragedies and his responsibility for his sister Mary influenced the melancholic and reflective nature of his writing. His essays often explore themes of family, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, drawing directly from his own life experiences.
What role did Charles Lamb’s sister Mary play in his life and literary career?
Mary Lamb played a significant role in Charles’s life both personally and professionally. After her mental breakdown and the tragic incident with their mother, Charles became her primary caretaker. Despite her mental illness, Mary was a talented writer, and they collaborated on “Tales from Shakespeare,” making Shakespeare accessible to children. Their close relationship and mutual support were crucial in both their lives and literary endeavors.
Describe the themes explored in “Dream-Children: A Reverie.”
“Dream-Children: A Reverie” explores themes of memory, loss, and unfulfilled dreams. The essay reflects on the narrator’s cherished memories of his grandmother Field and his brother John L., emphasizing the enduring impact of these relationships. The imaginary children symbolize the life and family the narrator never had, highlighting themes of regret and the passage of time. Ultimately, the essay underscores the power of memory in shaping our identities and the bittersweet nature of reflecting on the past.
What makes Charles Lamb’s writing style unique?
Charles Lamb’s writing style is unique due to its blend of prose and poetry, creating a lyrical and conversational tone. His essays are characterized by rich descriptive detail and emotional depth, allowing readers to connect with his personal reflections. Lamb’s use of humor and irony adds a layer of complexity, often addressing profound themes with a light touch. His ability to convey deep feelings and human truths in a relatable manner sets his work apart.
How did Charles Lamb’s friendships with other literary figures influence his work?
Lamb’s friendships with literary figures like Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and Robert Southey had a profound impact on his work. These relationships provided intellectual stimulation and emotional support, enriching his literary output. His correspondence and interactions with these poets influenced his writing style and themes, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. Lamb’s work reflects the shared Romantic ideals of emotion, nature, and the individual experience.
Discuss the significance of the setting in “Dream-Children: A Reverie.”
The setting of the grand old house in Norfolk is significant in “Dream-Children: A Reverie” as it serves as a nostalgic backdrop for the narrator’s childhood memories. The house, with its vast empty rooms and expansive gardens, symbolizes a lost era and the comfort of familial connections. The detailed description of the house enhances the dreamlike quality of the essay, reflecting the narrator’s longing for the past and the sense of loss that permeates his reflections. It represents a space where memories and imagination intertwine.
How does “Dream-Children: A Reverie” reflect Lamb’s personal experiences?
“Dream-Children: A Reverie” is deeply reflective of Lamb’s personal experiences, particularly his sense of loss and unfulfilled dreams. The essay’s narrative about his grandmother Field and brother John L. draws from Lamb’s own family history. The imaginary children symbolize the life Lamb might have had, highlighting his bachelor status and the sacrifices he made, particularly in caring for his sister Mary. The essay’s melancholic tone and themes of memory and regret mirror Lamb’s own reflections on his life’s challenges and unfulfilled desires.
What impact did Charles Lamb’s job at the East India Company have on his literary career?
Working as a clerk at the East India Company provided Lamb with financial stability, allowing him to pursue his literary interests. Despite the job’s demands, he managed to write and publish essays and poems. The discipline and routine of clerical work may have also influenced his writing style, characterized by precision and attention to detail. However, the job’s constraints likely intensified his longing for literary expression, making his creative work a vital outlet for his emotions and thoughts.
Why is “Essays of Elia” considered a significant work in English literature?
“Essays of Elia” is considered significant due to its innovative blend of personal reflection, social commentary, and literary charm. Written under the pseudonym Elia, these essays showcase Lamb’s ability to explore deep emotional truths with wit and warmth. The collection’s conversational style and rich descriptive detail make it relatable and engaging. The essays’ exploration of universal themes like memory, identity, and human nature resonates with readers, solidifying Lamb’s reputation as one of the greatest English essayists.
In what ways did Charles Lamb’s literary style influence future generations of writers?
Charles Lamb’s literary style, marked by its conversational tone, rich detail, and emotional depth, influenced future generations by demonstrating the power of personal reflection in prose. His ability to blend humor and melancholy set a precedent for exploring complex emotions in a relatable way. Lamb’s essays encouraged writers to draw from their own experiences and to use a more intimate, narrative approach in their work. His impact can be seen in the essay form’s evolution and the way modern writers convey personal and emotional truths.
