Von Powell -
unknown user on August 15, 2005 2005
Lorca uses the framework of a dream to discuss reality- although, as others have suggested, he comments on the danger of dreaming, the reality that he paints for us, with unbelievable alligators and violent blue shudders, is full of synesthesia- Lorca's reality is the most dreamlike possible. So as he warns us against the danger of dreaming, he also warns us against the constraints of conscious reality. He reminds us that nobody is sleeping, that only the flesh exists, so perhaps in fact he is actually confirming the importance of dreaming by suggesting that it is not a dream at all- nobody is sleeping, even the dead are not sleeping, and in Lorca's world iguanas and snakes are waiting for those who are overly tied up in the binaries between reality and a dream. He suggests that dreams are not dreams at all- they are also real. We never sleep.
RollingStone on May 28, 2004 2004
this is a wonderful lorca poem. he addresses life and death and the quality (good or bad) of dreaming. his mind leaps around in imagery from one level to another, almost surreal-like, to create a bizarre feel in this piece. this poem reminds me of a salvador dali painting, which is no surprise since dali and lorca were friends.
I never get tired of reading this poem.
Vibrato on May 28, 2004 2004
World's a stage right? Everyone is dreaming that they are in the leading role, so much so that they forget to wash the cat etc.
Dragonshadowed on May 28, 2004 2004
This poem continues to fascinate me. In ways, it does seem like a warning to all of us. We are warned against having our heads in the clouds, and relying simply on our dreams. However, if we go through life, basking in the stark and bitter reality, then we are no better than the dreamers. I agree with some of the other comments that have been made, that we need to find a middle ground somewhere between latching firmly onto reality, and floating on the whims of our dreams. This poem has inspired many thoughts for me.
unknown user on January 7, 2004 2004
Waking Life has been, by far, the greatest artwork i have ever seen. It was so beautifully done with its insight on existentialism. I do quite fancy that film, indeed.
I likewise, took refuge in this poem. I find myself growing more fond of it every time I reread it. I believe Lorca was warning us not to simply waste our lives in a dream-like state for there is far too much in this world to simply waste on sleeping. Also, Lorca tries to convey a sense of fear for those who only dream, but knows there is nothing for those who do not dream. In a sense, i believe we should unite our dream-world with out realities, like Matt suggested.
unknown user on January 3, 2004 2004
i have really thought about this poem a lot recently. maybe lorca is speaking about life not being a dream as a warning to us. perhaps he is telling us to be alert and active. speed levitch in waking life recalls this poem and says that we should accept life as a test, that we should prove ourselves and experience each other. on reading more about levitch, i have found a great deal of meaning in this poem. lorca seems to think those who only dream and are idle simple die and rot away. on the other hand, we are challenged to rise up to experience life, much like the transcendentalists taught. beware! life is not a dream, and there should be nobody sleeping, and no one who lets their pain pain them, because they will not feel that pain forever. the trick is to combine the endless possibilities of your dream with your waking life.
unknown user on October 21, 2003 2003
Wow this is powerful. I enjoyed the build up in this poem. Melody
Lute on October 21, 2003 2003
Frederico here denies the famous life is a dream scenario and finds hin-mself apalled at the stark reality which surrounds him.
CWM on October 21, 2003 2003
Very interesting...enjoyable read...yes like you said great ending...~CWM~
Ava Noire on October 21, 2003 2003
City That Does Not Sleep is in my opinion, an interesting thought. I really like the ending. Something about the moonlight and poison that sends quickens my pulse.
on Feb 28 2006 11:50 AM PST x edit
