What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson is a novel that explores the afterlife and the power of love. The book was published in 1978 and has since become a classic in the science fiction genre. The story follows Chris, a man who dies and goes to Heaven but descends into Hell to rescue his wife.
The novel has been adapted into a movie and has received critical acclaim for its beautiful cinematography and thought-provoking storyline. What Dreams May Come is an allegory that delves into the themes of love, loss, and redemption. Matheson’s vivid descriptions of the afterlife and the journey of the soul make this book a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the mysteries of life and death.
Overview of ‘What Dreams May Come’
What Dreams May Come is a novel by Richard Matheson that tells the story of Chris, a man who dies and goes to Heaven but descends into Hell to rescue his wife, Annie. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the afterlife, and is known for its vivid descriptions of both Heaven and Hell.
Throughout the novel, Matheson uses allegory to explore the nature of the human soul and the power of love. Chris’s journey through the afterlife is both a physical and spiritual one, as he confronts his own fears and doubts and learns to let go of his attachments to the physical world.
The novel is also notable for its exploration of the concept of reincarnation, as Chris and Annie are reunited in a new life after their deaths. Matheson’s writing is both poetic and philosophical, and he weaves together a complex and deeply moving narrative that has resonated with readers for decades.
Richard Matheson’s Life and Works
Richard Matheson was an American author, born in 1926 in New Jersey. He is known for his contributions to the science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres. Matheson’s works have been adapted into films, television shows, and comic books.
Matheson began his writing career in the 1950s, and his first published story was “Born of Man and Woman.” He went on to write several novels, including “I Am Legend,” which was adapted into a film three times. Matheson also wrote for television, with credits including episodes of “The Twilight Zone” and “Star Trek.”
Matheson’s works often explored themes of isolation, loss, and the human condition. His writing style was characterized by a focus on character development and a strong sense of realism, even in his more fantastical stories.
Despite his success, Matheson remained humble and grounded, often expressing gratitude for his readers and fans. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of influential and thought-provoking literature.
The Concept of Allegory
Allegory is a literary device used in literature to convey complex ideas through the use of symbols and metaphors. It is a technique that has been used by writers for centuries to communicate abstract concepts to readers in a more accessible way. In What Dreams May Come, Richard Matheson uses allegory to explore the afterlife and the human experience.
Allegory is often used to convey moral or ethical messages. In What Dreams May Come, Matheson uses allegory to explore the concept of heaven and hell. He uses vivid descriptions of the afterlife to convey the idea that our actions in life have consequences, and that we are ultimately responsible for our own fate.
Matheson also uses allegory to explore the concept of love and relationships. He uses the relationship between Chris and his wife Ann to illustrate the power of love and the importance of human connection.
Allegorical Elements in ‘What Dreams May Come’
‘What Dreams May Come’ by Richard Matheson is a novel that explores the concept of life after death. The book contains several allegorical elements that help to explain the author’s message.
One of the allegorical elements in the book is the idea that heaven and hell are not physical places but rather a state of mind. The main character, Chris, travels through different realms of the afterlife, and each realm reflects his emotional state. For example, when Chris is in a state of despair, he finds himself in a desolate and barren world. In contrast, when he is happy, he is surrounded by beauty and abundance.
Another allegorical element in the book is the idea that love is the most powerful force in the universe. Chris’s journey through the afterlife is motivated by his love for his wife, Ann. He is willing to go to great lengths to rescue her from hell, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.
The book also explores the concept of redemption. Chris’s journey through the afterlife is a journey of self-discovery, and he must confront his past mistakes and learn from them. Through his journey, he learns to forgive himself and others, and this leads to his eventual redemption.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
The characters in “What Dreams May Come” represent different allegorical figures that symbolize various themes and ideas. Chris, the protagonist, represents the human soul, which is on a journey to find its true purpose and meaning. Ann, Chris’s wife, represents the physical body, which is left behind after death.
Albert, Chris’s guide in the afterlife, represents the voice of reason and wisdom, helping Chris navigate through the complexities of the afterlife. The Tracker, on the other hand, represents the darker side of human nature, as he tries to stop Chris from his journey.
The characters in “What Dreams May Come” are not just mere individuals but allegorical figures that represent different aspects of human nature. Through their experiences and interactions, the novel explores the themes of love, loss, grief, and redemption.
Themes and Motifs
The novel What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson is rich with themes and motifs that add depth and meaning to the story. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of love transcending death. Chris, the protagonist, is willing to go to great lengths to rescue his wife from Hell, even though he knows it will be a difficult and dangerous journey. This shows the power of love and the lengths to which it can drive a person.
Another important theme in the novel is the concept of the afterlife. Matheson’s portrayal of the afterlife is unique and thought-provoking. The idea that a person’s own thoughts and beliefs can shape their experience in the afterlife is a fascinating concept.
The motif of color is also prevalent throughout the novel. In Heaven, Chris experiences vibrant and beautiful colors that he has never seen before. In contrast, Hell is depicted as a dark and colorless place. This use of color adds to the overall atmosphere of the story and helps to convey the emotions of the characters.
The Afterlife in Literature
The concept of the afterlife has been a popular theme in literature for centuries. From Dante’s Divine Comedy to Richard Matheson’s What Dreams May Come, authors have explored the idea of what happens to the soul after death. In many cases, the afterlife is depicted as a place of judgment, where the deceased are either rewarded or punished for their actions in life.
One of the most common themes in afterlife literature is the idea of redemption. In What Dreams May Come, for example, the protagonist Chris must descend into Hell to rescue his wife, who has committed suicide. Through this journey, Chris learns to forgive his wife and himself, ultimately finding redemption and a place in Heaven.
Another common theme is the idea of a personalized afterlife. In What Dreams May Come, Chris finds himself in a version of Heaven that is tailored to his own desires and beliefs. This idea is also explored in books like The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, where the protagonist Susie finds herself in a version of Heaven that reflects her own memories and desires.
Comparative Analysis with Other Allegorical Works
When it comes to allegorical works, Richard Matheson’s “What Dreams May Come” is a notable piece of literature. However, it is not the only one that uses this literary device to convey its message. Several other works also use allegory to represent abstract ideas.
One such work is “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck. Like “What Dreams May Come,” “The Pearl” also uses symbols to represent abstract ideas. In “The Pearl,” each character and event represents a larger idea or concept. Similarly, in “What Dreams May Come,” the afterlife and the journey through it represent the idea of redemption and the power of love.
Another notable allegorical work is “The Red Badge of Courage” by Stephen Crane. While it is a different genre from “What Dreams May Come,” it also employs allegory to convey its message. In “The Red Badge of Courage,” the character’s journey represents the idea of courage and the struggle to overcome fear.
Cultural and Historical Context
What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson was published in 1978 and has since become a classic in the genre of allegorical fiction. Matheson’s work is known for its exploration of the human psyche and the afterlife. The novel’s themes of love, loss, and redemption have resonated with readers for decades.
The novel’s publication date coincided with a period of social and cultural change in the United States. The late 1970s saw the rise of the feminist movement, the end of the Vietnam War, and the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. Against this backdrop, Matheson’s exploration of the afterlife and the human condition took on added significance.
The novel’s themes of love, loss, and redemption are universal and have been explored in literature throughout history. Matheson’s use of allegory, however, is a more recent development. The use of allegory in literature dates back to ancient times, but it was not until the 20th century that it became a popular literary device.
Reader Interpretations and Discussions
Readers have interpreted “What Dreams May Come” in various ways, depending on their personal beliefs and experiences. Some readers see the novel as a religious allegory, with the afterlife representing Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. Others view it as a meditation on the power of love and the human spirit to overcome even death itself.
Many readers have engaged in discussions about the novel’s themes and symbolism, particularly its exploration of the nature of reality and the afterlife. Some have debated the significance of the colors used to represent different levels of the afterlife, while others have analyzed the symbolism of the various characters and their relationships.
Impact on Modern Storytelling
What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson has had a significant impact on modern storytelling. The novel’s unique allegory has inspired countless writers and filmmakers to explore the concept of the afterlife in their own works.
Matheson’s depiction of Heaven and Hell as personalized realms, tailored to each individual’s beliefs and experiences, has become a popular trope in modern storytelling. This concept has been explored in popular movies such as The Lovely Bones and The Adjustment Bureau.
The novel’s exploration of the power of love and sacrifice has also had a lasting impact on modern storytelling. Many writers have been inspired by Matheson’s portrayal of the lengths that a person will go to for their loved ones, even in the afterlife.