search
Get Started
search
Dream Story - Philosophical Fiction
zoom_in Click to enlarge

Dream Story

description Dream Story Overview

'Dream Story' is a novella by the Austrian author Arthur Schnitzler, originally published in 1926 under the title 'Traumnovelle'. The narrative follows Fridolin, a successful doctor, and his wife Albertine as they navigate the psychological fallout of confessing their secret desires to one another. Fridolin's subsequent nocturnal wanderings through Vienna force him to confront the boundaries between reality, dreams, and the unconscious mind. The novella is best known today for serving as the direct inspiration for Stanley Kubrick's film 'Eyes Wide Shut'.

insights Ranking position

Dream Story ranks #63 of 107 in the Philosophical Fiction ranking, behind Dirty Hands, ahead of Foucault's Pendulum.

help Dream Story FAQ

What movie is based on Arthur Schnitzler's Dream Story?

The novella was famously adapted into the 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut, directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, closely following the novella's plot of a doctor navigating the fallout of his wife's sexual confessions.

What secret does Albertine confess in Dream Story?

Albertine confesses to her husband, Doctor Fridolin, that she once harbored a passionate, secret desire for a young Danish officer she saw on vacation. This confession triggers a psychological crisis in Fridolin, sending him on a nocturnal journey of his own.

When was Dream Story originally published?

Arthur Schnitzler originally published the novella in 1926 under the German title Traumnovelle. It was one of the last major works completed by the Austrian author before his death.

What themes does Arthur Schnitzler explore in Dream Story?

The book delves deeply into the themes of jealousy, infidelity, and the subconscious mind. Schnitzler explores the tension between the conscious, rational life of a doctor and the dark, repressed desires that emerge in dreams and nocturnal wandering.

Reviews & Comments

Write a Review

rate_review

Be the first to review

Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.

Save to your list

Save your favorites and follow how their scores change over time.

Save favorites
Get updates
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare