article
Dreams in Amharic prose fiction
Journal of Ethiopian studies • 21 • Published In 1988 • Pages: 155-183
By: Assefa, Taye.
Abstract
This is a study of the role of dreams in Amhara prose fiction published between 1932 and 1981. Dreams are used in some cases to advance the plot of a story, but for the most part are illustrative and used to reiterate events already recounted, or to express the underlying emotional and psychological state of the dreamer/character. Assefa identifies two types of dreams: prescriptive waking visions and prophetic sleep-dreams. In the former, a divine agent instructs the dreamer what to do, in the latter a future event is symbolically foretold, the meaning of which the dreamer may or may not comprehend. The symbolism can be complex and is usually based on religious narratives. The article includes many examples of the different kinds of dreams and symbolism found in Amhara fiction.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1998
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Eastern Africa
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Unknown
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 1996
- Field Date
- unknown
- Coverage Date
- 1932-1981
- Coverage Place
- Ethiopia
- Notes
- Taye Assefa
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 180-183)
- LCCN
- 67094041
- LCSH
- Amhara (African people)