Abstract:

ln Middle English literature the dream motif has been treated in two ways: first, as a framework for rdating a certain story or incident (like the 11Romancc of the Rose» or "Pearl»), and second, as an element of the plot. It is this second aspect, the sources of the dream motif and their importance that will be examined in this article. There are two conceptions of dreams: the Germanic and the Christian. The Germanic use and conception of dreams is a sombre, severe and rather pessimistic one, and corresponds to the fatalistic attitude of the Anglo-Saxon to life. So in poetry all dreams - whatever their consequences come true in every detail. They tell us what is going to take place in the future, and nothing may be, done to avert them (re King Horn», 1 l. 670 ff.). For instance in «Octavian» (11.195 - 202) Empress Florence secs in a dream all the misfortunes which in fact befall her and her children later in life. 

Keywords: