Dreams. We all have them, but they don't usually make the world end, right? Well, in The Lathe of Heaven, dreams can do pretty much anything—good or bad—and there's no way anyone can ignore the dreams of George Orr. In this world, dreams (George's, at least) are reality. Does that make this world a dream or nightmare?
We're not sure, but we do know that the world of dreams is every bit as important as the waking world in this story, and it makes us wonder: in our world, what's dream and what's reality?
Questions About Versions of Reality
- What does George believe about dreams? What does Dr. Haber believe? Who is right?
- What relationship do the aliens in The Lathe of Heaven have to dreaming? How do they guide George?
- Are the realities created by George's dreams in The Lathe of Heaven real or fake? Why?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Dreams are irrational, immoral, and violent in The Lathe of Heaven.
Dreams are creative, healthy, and powerful in The Lathe of Heaven.