article

Dreams in Amharic prose fiction

Journal of Ethiopian studies21 • 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.
Subjects
Literature
Literary texts
Revelation and divination
culture
Amhara
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)