Sweet Dreams Are Made of This: Sleep, Dreams, and the Changing Image of Mysticism
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
History/International Studies
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Kathy Callahan, PhD.
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
This project will explore the idea of dreaming as an extension and symbol of mysticism throughout three distinct historical periods. The Medieval period, the Early Modern period, and the Victorian period have recognizable notions of magic, the mystical, and the role of slumber in developing these ideas. In particular, there is a focus on women and their interpretations of dreams and the role of sleep in their lives. Consistencies throughout each period reveal a connection between feminine experiences and dreams. However, there are shifts in how women reflect on dreams from containing strong religious messaging to serving as a conduit to the occult world. This project looks at how interpretations of dreams have shifted and and why there is the continued relationship with the mystical. Accounts of dreams which contain elements of magic and mysticism are found not only in individual accounts, but in numerous fictional works throughout these historical periods and into the contemporary period.
Spring Scholars Week 2019 Event
Other
Sweet Dreams Are Made of This: Sleep, Dreams, and the Changing Image of Mysticism
This project will explore the idea of dreaming as an extension and symbol of mysticism throughout three distinct historical periods. The Medieval period, the Early Modern period, and the Victorian period have recognizable notions of magic, the mystical, and the role of slumber in developing these ideas. In particular, there is a focus on women and their interpretations of dreams and the role of sleep in their lives. Consistencies throughout each period reveal a connection between feminine experiences and dreams. However, there are shifts in how women reflect on dreams from containing strong religious messaging to serving as a conduit to the occult world. This project looks at how interpretations of dreams have shifted and and why there is the continued relationship with the mystical. Accounts of dreams which contain elements of magic and mysticism are found not only in individual accounts, but in numerous fictional works throughout these historical periods and into the contemporary period.