In "Victory," Joseph Conrad explores the concept of dreams and their relationship to reality. The quote, "dreams are madness, my dear," suggests that dreams often do not hold the clarity or sense that one might hope for. Instead, it implies that the true understanding of life comes from experiences and events that occur while we are awake, emphasizing a distinction between the chaos of dreams and the significance of waking moments.
The passage invites readers to reflect on the importance of confronting and interpreting the reality we live in, rather than getting lost in the irrationality of our dreams. By asserting that meanings are found in our conscious experiences, Conrad encourages a deeper engagement with life and the events that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.