In Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses," the protagonist grapples with the haunting memories of a figure who torments him. He entertains the idea that if he dreams of this person consistently, they might ultimately disappear from his life, leaving no trace. This notion conveys the deep longing for escape from the burdens of the past.
The quote reflects a profound struggle between reality and the subconscious, illustrating the protagonist's desire to obliterate painful reminders of his past. Dreaming becomes a mechanism of coping, allowing him to confront his fears while yearning for freedom from what haunts him.