All that we see or seem ...?

Question

Poe wrote:
"All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream"

What did he mean by that?

"saddison2004" asks us - a dream within a dream--why WITHIN?

*that* is my question exactly!

Answer 1

All that we see--all we perceive is open to many interpretations as is a dream, it is not fixed or stable

All that we seem--all that others peceive us as is also dreamlike and unstable--perhaps identity is all the hodgepodge perceptions of others

a dream within a dream--why WITHIN? Whose dream are we and everyone else within? This could suggest that we are the mental creations of a higher power (I don't know what Poe's spiritual stance was off the bat).

As much as I like Poe, he can be a little depressing. And just because everyone's reality is different and filtered through the dreamlike mist of perception (composed as it is of senses, prior experience, brain chemicals, etc.), doesn't mean there's necessarily no reality. Just no one "perfect" reality.

Answer 2

Everything you see or cling on is an illusion. The real reality is The Matrix. Look out, Mr. Smith is here!!!

Answer 3

Basically, it means that life is an illusion. A dream.

Answer 4

u answered my q. that's fine but that's not the answer i was looking 4 i wish to give u negative points but what to do i cant. By the way r u a indian.IF yes u should'nt speak like this
dosend me a mail at [e-mail]

Answer 5

The poet is confused.. and trying to confuse others about reality and dream

Answer 6

Rooster's right. Basically there is no reality. Reality is an illusion.

Answer 7

I think he was on something... :)

Or onto something, I'll ask him next time I see him.

Answer 8

Rooster has it.