In William Faulkner's "Absalom, Absalom!", the narrative explores the intense relationship between dreams and reality. The dreamer clings to a vision, reminiscent of a patient enduring unbearable pain for a fleeting moment of relief. This metaphor illustrates how individuals often grapple with their aspirations and the harshness of reality, striving for a transformation that aligns their dreams with their lived experience.

As the dreamer awakens, it signifies a departure from the past, entering a newly shaped time that resonates with the dream. This alteration emphasizes the profound connection between the dreamer and their vision, where the old self is consumed, leading to a transcendence that elevates both the dream and the dreamer. Faulkner encapsulates the struggle between aspiration and reality, portraying it as a transformative journey.