Preludes & Nocturnes
by Neil Gaiman
"Preludes & Nocturnes" by Neil Gaiman explores profound themes of dreams, hope, and the duality of existence. Central to the narrative is Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams, who navigates realms that intertwine reality and fantasy. The text posits that dreams serve as a powerful counter to despair, suggesting that even in darkness, hope persists,illustrated by Morpheus's assertion, "I am hope." The dialogue between Morpheus and Choronzon highlights the struggle between life and death, creation and destruction. The concept of stories, particularly the inevitability of death as their conclusion, reflects a broader commentary on the transient nature of existence. Gaiman suggests that while death is a natural part of life, the act of dreaming provides a vital escape, allowing individuals to envision a better reality. The narrative also delves into the nature of power, particularly that of Hell, questioning its significance if those imprisoned can still aspire to a higher existence. Through characters like Death and the manipulative demons, the story examines trust, the complexities of morality, and the human condition’s fragility. Ultimately, "Preludes & Nocturnes" serves as a meditation on the importance of hope and the transformative power of dreams, inviting readers to reflect on their own narratives amid the chaos of existence.
30 popular highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most popular and impactful highlights and quotes from Preludes & Nocturnes:
Dime, Lucifer.. Preguntaos, todos... ¿Qué poder tendría el infierno si los aquí encerrados no soñasen con el cielo?
You get what anybody gets - you get a lifetime.
CHORONZON: I am a dire wolf, prey-stalking, lethal prowler.MORPHEUS: I am a hunter, horse-mounted, wolf-stabbing.CHORONZON: I am a horsefly, horse-stinging, hunter-throwing.MORPHEUS: I am a spider, fly-consuming, eight legged.CHORONZON: I am a snake, spider-devouring, posion-toothed.MORPHEUS: I am an ox, snake-crushing, heavy-footed.CHORONZON: I am an anthrax, butcher bacterium, warm-life destroying.MORPHEUS: I am a world, space-floating, life-nurturing.CHORONZON: I am a nova, all-exploding... planet-cremating.MORPHEUS: I am the Universe -- all things encompassing, all life embracing.CHORONZON: I am Anti-Life, the Beast of Judgment. I am the dark at the end of everything. The end of universes, gods, worlds... of everything. Sss. And what will you be then, Dreamlord?MORPHEUS: I am hope.
What power would hell have if those imprisoned here would not be able to dream of heaven?
I think I’ll dismember the world and then I’ll dance in the wreckage.
She's realized the real problem with stories -- if you keep them going long enough, they always end in death.
Never trust a demon. He has a hundred motives for anything he does ... Ninety-nine of them, at least, are malevolent.
I am hope.
Have you ever had one of those days when something just seems to be trying to tell you somebody?
DEATH: "Mostly they aren't too keen to see me. They fear the sunless lands. But they enter your realm each night without fear."MORPHEUS: "And I am far more terrible than you, sister.
You say I have no power? Perhaps you speak truly... But — you say that dreams have no power here? Tell me, Lucifer Morningstar... Ask yourselves, all of you... What power would hell have if those imprisoned were not able to dream of heaven?
You can know anything. It's all there. You just have to find it.
I am anti-life, the Beast of Judgment. I am the dark at the end of everything. The end of universes, gods, worlds…of everything. And what will you be then, Dreamlord?""I am hope.
All Bette's stories have happy endings. That's because she knows where to stop. She's realized the real problem with stories—if you keep them going long enough, they always end in death.
Some things are too big to be seen; some emotions too huge to be felt.
I will be a wise and tolerant monarch, dispencing justice fairly, and only setting nightmares to rip out the winds of the evil and the wicked. Or just anybody that I don't like.
It is as natural to die as it is to be born.
The universe knows someone is missing, and slowly it attempts to replace him.
As I wouldn't wear a costume, I couldn't imagine him wanting to wear one. And seeing that the greater part of my wardrobe is black (It's a sensible colour. It goes with anything. Well, anything black)[...].
I watched him even then as he fell, his face undefeated, his eyes still proud
You see, until then I'd been driven. I'd had a true quest, a purpose beyond my function - and then suddenly, the quest was over. I felt... drained. Disappointed. Let down.Does that make sense? I had been sure that as soon as I had everything back I'd feel good. But inside I felt worse than when I stared.
But...is that all there was? Is that all I get?Yes, I'm afraid so.
CHORONZON "I am anti-life, the beast of judgement. I am the dark at the end of everything. The end of universes, Gods, worlds... of everything. And what will you be then, Dreamlord?"MORPHEUS "I am hope.
Ask yourselves, all of you... What power would Hell have if those here imprisoned were not able to dream of Heaven?
Have you ever had one of those dreams, you know where you think you've woken up, but you haven't ? It's just part of the nightmare and you're still in it...
Approaching the state of Delaware, the dreamer is a small dog, dreaming impatiently of a past life, long forgotten, when he sailed tall ships across uncharted. The salt spray of the ocean stings my face.
Why us, goddammit? Why are you doing this stuff to us? You're going to kill us!""Why? Because I can.
Az emberek azt hiszik, az álmok nem valóságosak, mert nem anyagból, nem részecskékből vannak. Pedig azok. Nézőpontok, képek, emlékek, szójátékok és elveszett remények alkotják őket…
What power would Hell have if those here imprisoned were not able to dream of Heaven?
- Soy la antivida, la bestia del juicio. Soy la oscuridad al fin de todo. Fin de universos, dioses, mundos... de todo. ¿Y qué serás tú, soñador?- La esperanza.
