“You know what I mean? Real and unreal, beautiful and strange, like a dream. It got me high as a kite, but it didn’t last long enough. It ended too soon and left nothing behind.”That’s how it is with dreams,” said Priscilla. “They’re the perfect crime.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote from Tom Robbins' novel, a character named Priscilla reflects on the fleeting and elusive nature of dreams. The juxtaposition of "real and unreal, beautiful and strange" highlights the ethereal quality of dreams, which can evoke intense emotions and sensations but ultimately leave us longing for more. Priscilla's analogy of dreams being "the perfect crime" suggests that dreams have the ability to captivate us and stir our imaginations, only to disappear without a trace, leaving us with a sense of longing and intrigue. This quote captures the enigmatic and transient nature of dreams, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of their own unconscious experiences.
The Illusion of Dreams
In the quote by Tom Robbins, the characters discuss dreams as being both exhilarating and fleeting, much like a drug-induced high. This concept of dreams representing a temporary escape from reality, only to leave us wanting more, has modern relevance in today's society where people often seek out distractions to cope with the pressures and monotony of everyday life. Whether it be through social media, entertainment, or other forms of escapism, the allure of temporary relief can sometimes overshadow the importance of facing one's reality and dealing with the consequences. Like a "perfect crime," dreams can offer a brief respite, but ultimately, they cannot shield us from the inevitable return to our waking lives.
Exploring the nature of dreams
“You know what I mean? Real and unreal, beautiful and strange, like a dream. It got me high as a kite, but it didn’t last long enough. It ended too soon and left nothing behind.”That’s how it is with dreams,” said Priscilla. “They’re the perfect crime.” - Tom Robbins
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on the quote by Tom Robbins and Priscilla, consider the following questions:
- What do you think is the significance of dreams being described as both "real and unreal" and "beautiful and strange"?
- In what ways do you relate to the experience of dreams leaving you feeling "high as a kite" but also ending too soon and leaving nothing behind?
- How do you interpret the idea of dreams being referred to as "the perfect crime"?
- How do your own experiences with dreams resonate with the sentiments expressed in the quote?
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