List of works based on dreams

The concept of dreams has fascinated humanity for centuries, serving as a source of inspiration for various forms of art and literature. This article explores a list of notable works that were inspired by dreams, spanning different genres and mediums.

Literature

"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

"Le Songe de Tartini" by Louis-Léopold Boilly, 1824

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is one of the most famous novels inspired by a dream. Shelley conceived the idea for her novel during a summer spent in Geneva with Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. She dreamt of a scientist who created life and was horrified by what he had made, which became the foundation for her groundbreaking work.

"Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan" is another classic example of a literary work inspired by a dream. Coleridge claimed that the poem came to him in a dream after he fell asleep reading about the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. Upon waking, he began to write the poem, but was interrupted, leaving it unfinished.

"The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson reportedly dreamt the plot of "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde". The story explores the duality of human nature and the struggle between good and evil within a single person. Stevenson's dream provided the framework for this classic novella.

Science

The Structure of Benzene

3D model of benzene

The structure of benzene was famously discovered by the German chemist August Kekulé. He dreamt of a snake seizing its own tail, forming a ring, which led him to the concept of the benzene ring, a fundamental structure in organic chemistry.

Inventions

The Sewing Machine

Sewing machine needles

The invention of the sewing machine is attributed to Elias Howe, who reportedly dreamt of being attacked by cannibals who were wielding spears with holes in the tips. This dream inspired him to design a needle with an eye at the point, revolutionizing the sewing industry.

Music

"Yesterday" by The Beatles

Paul McCartney of The Beatles famously composed the melody for "Yesterday" in a dream. Upon waking, he played the tune on the piano and initially thought he might have subconsciously plagiarized it, but it turned out to be an original composition.

Film

"Inception"

Conceptual art related to dreams

The film "Inception", directed by Christopher Nolan, explores the concept of shared dreaming and the manipulation of dreams. The intricate plot and visual effects were inspired by Nolan's own fascination with the nature of dreams and reality.

Language

Volapük

Symbol of Volapük

The constructed language Volapük was created by Johann Martin Schleyer, who claimed that the idea for the language came to him in a dream. Volapük was one of the first attempts to create an international auxiliary language.

Related pages

• Dream
• Oneirology
• Lucid dream
• Dream interpretation