Dreams in Contemporary Women's Narratives

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Women In French-WIF- Special Sessions at the South Central MLA Colloquium
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Rich in symbolic elements as well as mystery and transformation ideas, dreams are often central to women's novels and autobiographies. Dream narratives are frequently used to: engage with differences and to challenge established structures of power; think through and beyond dichotomous representational systems; forge new languages; and finally, transform and reappropriate reality while letting anxiety, fear, and desire find their expression. Some themes to consider: what is the function of dreams within women's narratives and how are they connected with reality? Is there a recurrence of elements and themes in dreams? How does the relationship between narrator and dreamer find its expression? How do time and space function within dream narratives? What is the role of senses and emotions in them? Are dream narratives creating a specific esthetic and language? Please send 250-300 word abstracts to Anna Rocca, Salem State University, by Febraury 22, at arocca@salemstate.edu