Dream as a Journey of Self-discovery in Ben Okri’s “Dreaming of Byzantium”

Abstract

This article explores the way in which the dream episode in “Dreaming of Byzantium”, a short story in Ben Okri’s collection Prayer for the Living (2019), serves as a journey of self discovery. It begins by drawing attention to Okri’s views on journey and dream, two recurring motifs in his work. It then offers a close reading of the short story, paying particular attention to the reality/unreality interplay that appears to underpin much of his work. Analysis of the discourse and content of the dream episode may illuminate the nature of the self discovery experience the protagonist gains at the end of the story.

Opsomming

Hierdie artikel bestudeer die wyse waarop die droomepisode in “Dreaming of Byzantium”, 'n kortverhaal in Ben Okri se bundel Prayer for the Living (2019), as 'n selfontdekkingsreis dien. Dit begin deur die aandag te vestig op Okri se beskouings van twee herhalende temas in sy werk, naamlik reis en droom. Dit word gevolg deur 'n diepgaande ontleding van die kortverhaal. Daar word in die besonder aandag gegee aan die wisselwerking tussen realiteit en irrealiteit wat skynbaar onderliggend tot baie van sy werke is. 'n Ontleding van die diskoers en inhoud van die droomepisode kan lig werp op die aard van die protagonis se selfontdekkingservaring aan die einde van die verhaal.