It is said that our dreams are windows to our subconscious mind and that it serves as a bridge for our inner and outer selves, our conscious and subconscious minds. It often expresses the desires of our subconscious being.It is a significant part of our lives but sure is hard to interpret what certain dreams mean or if they really mean something at all. In Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace, dreams also play an important part in establishing the mysteries behind the life of Grace Marks.
In the novel, Grace had several dreams that she shared with the readers in the novel and these dreams are considered disturbing both for Grace and as well for Simon Jordan who is really eager in solving the mystery of Grace’s past. However one particular dream becomes a reoccurrence that drew much attention.Due to her lost memory, Grace is really having a hard time analyzing what this dream meant and the significance of this image whether they are related to her lost memory or not. Also, how can this dream help in the search for the mystery behind the novel, will it work for her or against her?Regarding her recurrent dream, Grace talk of peonies that grew outside the asylum while red peonies grew at the house of Thomas Kinnear that does not bring the best out of Grace but rather the worst. However, towards the end of the novel, the peonies that Grace sees in her dreams change to white.
She states that she was able to saw the house that was truly beautiful and all is white, the peonies and pillars in front. She also said that the white peonies are glimmering in the dust by the veranda. Even the lamplights are said to be blooming by the window.It is said that colorful flowers present in dreams may signify several things such as kindness and compassion, beauty, pleasure, gentleness and gain.
It is also a symbol of perfection and as well spirituality. However white flowers are said to symbolize sadness. Perhaps this could be the perfect representation of the peonies in Grace’s dreams. Grace is definitely in a state wherein it is understandable to be sad due to the lost of her memory and for her present condition.
In addition, it is said that mischievous nymphs are said to hide in the petal of the peony. For this reason it can be said that the dream really has something to do with Grace’s life. Since nymphs are mysterious being just as Grace’s past is mysterious and her memory is like a puzzle that needs to be brought together.Even colors have unique and special meanings too.
The color red is an indication of force, intense passion, raw energy and courage. It is also related to a deep expression of emotions and spirituality. Still, red also signifies danger and shame and as well sexual impulses and urges. Well, which of these interpretations could refer to Grace?On the other hand, the color white is a representation of purity and peace. It may also refer to perfection, innocence, dignity and awareness. White is also a sign of cleanliness and new beginnings.
A person with dreams that involves this color is said to have a fresh outlook towards life or maybe experiencing a recovery. Still, the color white is also associated with mourning and death in the Eastern cultures.Basing from these different interpretation of the objects that are present in Grace’s dreams that haunted her, several interpretation can be made. But basing from what we know about Grace we could come with an interpretation about the meaning and significance of her dream.Still, the certainty of any interpretation cannot be determined for grace herself does not know the mystery of her past. However, I will try to make my own interpretation of the Grace’s dream.
