I blame it on all those TV versions of "A Christmas Carol." My belief is that authors have an obligation to uphold the literary integrity of their creations. If a character is dreaming and not living the prescribed plot line, there should be enough clues or evidence provided so that the reader can deduce the distinction between the two. That's why I had some difficulty with the message in "Life of Pi." Allegory is legitimate, but the author should not just spring an alternate story ending with the dictum to let the reader decide. I find that a cop-out. I myself strive to make sure I discriminate between reality and the dream world. This is a dream:
I am entering Madigans' house through the familiar front door. Only this time there are two full-grown pet rabbits compressed in the space between the door jamb and the foundation. One rabbit is black and white, the other a tawny brown. No one besides myself is surprised the rabbits are inhabiting that space. Maureen is inside, surrounded by supporters; she has had her hair cut and is very unhappy with the results. She is on the phone, trying to find a solution. I look: her hair looks great, shorter but still fairly long, and layered back from her face. I ask why she doesn't like it. She says the texture is all wrong, and it needs to be corrected. They say all dreams have a relationship to some real event in your life, but I have no idea why this would come to mind. I think I'll go back to sleep and see if I can find a connection.
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