Dreams by H. Lawrence - Poem / Poetry Appreciation / Exercises on Poem / Question-Answer on Poem / Theme and Summary of Poem / Poem Analysis
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Feb 7
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Dreams
H. Lawrence
All people dream, but not equally.
Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind,
Wake in the morning to find that it was vanity.
But the dreamers of the day are dangerous people,
For they dream their dreams with open eyes.
And make them come true.
Theme: It centers on the significance of dreams as a source of inspiration and a deeper understanding of the self. The poem explores the contrast between the mundane realities of life and the vivid, transformative power of dreams, highlighting their ability to evoke emotions and stimulate creativity. Ultimately, it suggests that dreams serve as a vital connection to our innermost desires and aspirations, encouraging individuals to embrace their imaginative potential.
Summary: the speaker reflects on the profound impact that dreams have on the human experience. The poem emphasizes the contrast between the dullness of everyday life and the vibrant, transformative nature of dreams, which allow individuals to explore their innermost thoughts and desires. Through vivid imagery, Lawrence conveys the idea that dreams can serve as a source of inspiration and creativity, encouraging a deeper understanding of oneself. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the importance of dreams as a vital aspect of life that connects us to our aspirations and the richness of our imagination.
Paraphrasing
"All people dream, but not equally."
Every individual has dreams or aspirations, but not all people dream in the same way or with the same intensity. Some people may have vivid, ambitious dreams, while others may only experience fleeting or minimal dreams.
"Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind, Wake in the morning to find that it was vanity."
People who only dream at night, when their minds are not fully engaged or focused, often have dreams that are far from practical or achievable. When they wake up, they realize that these dreams were pointless and unimportant, as they lack the substance or actions needed to make them come true.
"But the dreamers of the day are dangerous people, For they dream their dreams with open eyes."
In contrast, people who are active and engaged during the day, who consciously pursue their dreams and ambitions, are the ones who are truly powerful or "dangerous." They are not limited by the unconscious mind, but rather, they pursue their goals with full awareness and intention. These are the individuals who take control of their destiny.
"And make them come true."
These determined individuals do not simply fantasize about their dreams—they work hard, take action, and make those dreams a reality. Their dreams are not just aspirations; they are goals that they are actively striving to achieve and bring to fruition.
Short Answer Questions
10 questions based on the quote, with detailed answers:
What is the primary distinction between the two types of dreamers described in the quote?
Answer: The primary distinction is that "dreamers of the night" are passive, dreaming without taking action, while "dreamers of the day" are active, taking steps to turn their dreams into reality.
What happens to the dreams of those who dream at night, according to the quote?
Answer: The dreams of those who dream at night are described as vanity, meaning they are unrealistic and unachievable. When they wake up, they realize their dreams were empty and have no real purpose.
Why are "dreamers of the day" considered dangerous?
Answer: "Dreamers of the day" are considered dangerous because they not only dream but also take action towards achieving their dreams. Their ability to turn their dreams into reality gives them power and influence, which can make them a force to be reckoned with.
What is meant by "dreaming their dreams with open eyes"?
Answer: "Dreaming their dreams with open eyes" means being fully aware and conscious of one's goals and ambitions. These individuals are not passively fantasizing; they are actively working toward making their dreams come true.
How do the "dreamers of the day" make their dreams come true?
Answer: The "dreamers of the day" make their dreams come true by taking deliberate actions, setting goals, and working consistently toward achieving them. Their dreams are grounded in reality and are pursued with effort and determination.
What does the phrase "All people dream, but not equally" suggest about human aspirations?
Answer: This phrase suggests that while everyone has dreams, not everyone pursues them with the same level of intensity, focus, or commitment. Some people dream passively, while others actively work to turn their dreams into reality.
How is the concept of vanity used in the context of the night dreamers?
Answer: The concept of vanity is used to describe the fleeting and empty nature of the dreams that come during the night. These dreams are not grounded in reality and have no lasting value or significance, ultimately serving no purpose once the person wakes up.
Why is the word "dangerous" used to describe the dreamers of the day?
Answer: The word "dangerous" refers to the power and potential that the dreamers of the day possess. Their ability to turn their dreams into reality makes them capable of influencing change, achieving great success, and challenging the status quo.
What is the relationship between dreaming and action in the quote?
Answer: The relationship between dreaming and action in the quote is that dreams alone are insufficient. To make dreams come true, action is required. Dreamers of the day are those who combine dreaming with practical steps and effort, unlike night dreamers who only fantasize without taking action.
What is the overall message of the quote?
Answer: The overall message of the quote is that dreams are essential, but they must be pursued actively and with purpose. While everyone dreams, it is the dreamers who take action and work toward their goals that ultimately succeed in making their dreams a reality.
Multiple-choice questions based on the text:
10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the quote:
What is the main difference between dreamers of the night and dreamers of the day? a) Dreamers of the night have more realistic dreams
b) Dreamers of the night take action to achieve their dreams
c) Dreamers of the day take action to make their dreams come true
d) Dreamers of the day dream less frequently
Answer: c) Dreamers of the day take action to make their dreams come true
What happens to the dreams of those who dream at night? a) They are achievable
b) They turn into reality
c) They are empty and pointless
d) They become more vivid in the morning
Answer: c) They are empty and pointless
What does "dream with open eyes" mean in the context of the quote? a) To dream without closing one’s eyes
b) To be aware and actively pursue one's dreams
c) To dream while awake but not do anything about it
d) To be a passive dreamer with no clear goals
Answer: b) To be aware and actively pursue one's dreams
Why are dreamers of the day considered "dangerous"? a) Because they sleep less
b) Because they actively work to make their dreams a reality
c) Because they do not dream
d) Because they are more likely to forget their dreams
Answer: b) Because they actively work to make their dreams a reality
What does the phrase "make their dreams come true" imply? a) Dreams are impossible to achieve
b) Dreams are only fantasies
c) People who work towards their dreams can achieve them
d) Dreams do not require action
Answer: c) People who work towards their dreams can achieve them
What is the overall theme of the quote? a) The importance of having dreams but not acting on them
b) The contrast between passive dreaming and active pursuit of goals
c) The idea that dreams are better left unfulfilled
d) The focus on dreaming during the night
Answer: b) The contrast between passive dreaming and active pursuit of goals
How does the quote describe "dreamers of the night"? a) As individuals who take action to achieve their goals
b) As people whose dreams are empty and do not come true
c) As people who dream during the day
d) As those who always succeed in their dreams
Answer: b) As people whose dreams are empty and do not come true
What does the phrase "All people dream, but not equally" suggest? a) All people dream in the same way
b) Everyone has the same type of dreams
c) Not everyone dreams with the same intensity or commitment
d) People stop dreaming as they age
Answer: c) Not everyone dreams with the same intensity or commitment
What do dreamers of the day do differently from dreamers of the night? a) They dream more vividly
b) They actively pursue their dreams and make them a reality
c) They dream only during the night
d) They keep their dreams to themselves
Answer: b) They actively pursue their dreams and make them a reality
What can we infer about the quote's view of dreams? a) Dreams are not important
b) Only dreams that come true are worth having
c) Dreams are essential, but they require action to be meaningful
d) Dreams are meaningless unless achieved instantly
Answer: c) Dreams are essential, but they require action to be meaningful
Summary:
The quote, "All people dream, but not equally," presents the idea that everyone has dreams, but not everyone approaches them the same way. The first line contrasts two types of dreamers: those who dream at night and those who dream during the day. The “dreamers of the night” are described as having fleeting, often unrealistic dreams that remain confined to their imagination. When they wake up, they realize that their nighttime dreams were empty or vain, meaning they were not grounded in reality or action.
On the other hand, the “dreamers of the day” are depicted as those who have a more active, purposeful approach to their dreams. These individuals dream with open eyes, meaning they are conscious, aware, and focused on their goals. The "dangerous" nature of daydreamers lies in their ability to not just dream, but to take action and turn their dreams into reality. This quote suggests that people who are active in pursuing their dreams and who strive to make them happen are the ones who ultimately achieve success.
Theme:
The theme of this quote is the difference between passive dreamers, who fantasize without acting, and active dreamers, who work towards making their dreams a reality. The latter group, described as "dangerous" because of their ability to turn dreams into reality, are portrayed as powerful individuals who make an impact.
Bangla Translation (Summary)
সারাংশ:
"সকল মানুষ স্বপ্ন দেখে, কিন্তু সমানভাবে নয়," এই উক্তিটি এই ধারণাটি উপস্থাপন করে যে প্রত্যেকেরই স্বপ্ন থাকে, কিন্তু সকলেই একইভাবে স্বপ্ন দেখে না। প্রথম লাইনটি দুই ধরণের স্বপ্নদর্শীদের তুলনা করে: যারা রাতে স্বপ্ন দেখে এবং যারা দিনের বেলা স্বপ্ন দেখে। "রাতের স্বপ্নদর্শীদের" ক্ষণস্থায়ী, প্রায়শই অবাস্তব স্বপ্ন দেখে যা তাদের কল্পনার মধ্যেই সীমাবদ্ধ থাকে। যখন তারা জেগে ওঠে, তারা বুঝতে পারে যে তাদের রাতের স্বপ্নগুলি খালি বা নিরর্থক ছিল, যার অর্থ তারা বাস্তবতা বা কর্মের উপর ভিত্তি করে ছিল না।
অন্যদিকে, "দিনের স্বপ্নদর্শীদের" এমন ব্যক্তিদের হিসাবে চিত্রিত করা হয়েছে যাদের স্বপ্নের প্রতি আরও সক্রিয়, উদ্দেশ্যমূলক দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি রয়েছে। এই ব্যক্তিরা খোলা চোখে স্বপ্ন দেখে, যার অর্থ তারা সচেতন, সচেতন এবং তাদের লক্ষ্যের প্রতি মনোনিবেশ করে। দিবাস্বপ্নদর্শীদের "বিপজ্জনক" প্রকৃতি কেবল স্বপ্ন দেখার নয়, বরং পদক্ষেপ নেওয়ার এবং তাদের স্বপ্নকে বাস্তবে রূপান্তর করার ক্ষমতার মধ্যে নিহিত। এই উক্তিটি পরামর্শ দেয় যে যারা তাদের স্বপ্ন অনুসরণে সক্রিয় এবং যারা তাদের স্বপ্ন বাস্তবায়নের জন্য প্রচেষ্টা করে তারাই শেষ পর্যন্ত সাফল্য অর্জন করে।
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20 vocabulary words from the quote, with their meanings in English and Bangla:
Dream
English: A series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep or a strongly desired goal.
Bangla: স্বপ্ন, আকাঙ্ক্ষা
Hold fast
English: To grasp something firmly or not let go.
Bangla: দৃঢ়ভাবে ধারণ করা
Vanity
English: Excessive pride or self-importance; something that is empty or meaningless.
Bangla: অহংকার, নিতান্ত অব্যর্থ
Barren
English: Lacking life, interest, or productivity; unproductive.
Bangla: অন Fertile, শূন্য
Frozen
English: Something that is solidified due to cold; immobile.
Bangla: জমে যাওয়া, কঠিন
Dangerous
English: Able to cause harm or injury.
Bangla: বিপজ্জনক
Dreamers
English: People who dream, especially those with unrealistic goals or ideals.
Bangla: স্বপ্নদর্শী
Open eyes
English: To be alert, aware, and engaged in the pursuit of something.
Bangla: সতর্ক এবং সচেতন
Make
English: To bring something into existence through effort or action.
Bangla: তৈরি করা, সৃষ্টি করা
Come true
English: To happen in reality as hoped or imagined.
Bangla: বাস্তবে পরিণত হওয়া
Equally
English: In the same manner or to the same degree.
Bangla: সমানভাবে
Vanity
English: The quality of being vain; something that is superficial and has little value.
Bangla: অহংকার, নিতান্ত অব্যর্থ
Recesses
English: Remote or hidden places.
Bangla: গোপন স্থান
Fleeting
English: Lasting for only a short time; temporary.
Bangla: ক্ষণস্থায়ী, দ্রুত চলে যাওয়া
Purposeful
English: Having a definite intention or aim.
Bangla: উদ্দেশ্যপূর্ণ
Active
English: Involved in or engaging in an activity; energetic.
Bangla: সক্রিয়
Unrealistic
English: Not based on reality or practical possibilities.
Bangla: অযৌক্তিক
Fulfill
English: To complete or achieve something as intended.
Bangla: পূর্ণ করা, সাধন করা
Idealistic
English: Aiming for perfection or high standards, often unrealistic.
Bangla: আদর্শবাদী
Aspirations
English: Strong desires or ambitions to achieve something.
Bangla: আকাঙ্ক্ষা, উচ্চ লক্ষ্য
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