The Dreamer

Consider some of the negative things Neftalí’s father says about his character, his abilities, and his future. Identify at least three ways in which Neftalí contradicts these assessments. How does Neftalí view these contradictions at different times in the narrative, and how do they inform his character arc? How does the text depict the relationship between fathers and children more generally?

Choose one of the story’s conflicts and describe a time when you’ve faced a similar conflict in your life. Describe how Neftalí responded to the conflict in The Dreamer, and compare this to how you handled the conflict in your situation. What factors complicated things for you? What is the significance of this conflict in Neftalí’s life?

How are gender roles depicted in the text, and what is the significance of the female characters—Mamadre, Blanca, and/or Laurita—in the narrative? How do gender expectations for women and girls compare to those expected of men and boys like Neftalí?

Describe Neftalí’s relationships with Rodolfo and/or Orlando, using specific examples from the text. How do these relationships influence Neftalí’s relationship with his father, and his relationship with himself?

Research the country of Chile and learn about its culture. How does the text reflect and represent aspects of Chilean culture and history relevant to Neftalí’s childhood? How does the author blend historical fact with fictional elements?

The Dreamer’s narrative spans only a short portion of Neftalí’s life, ending when he leaves home for college. How do the events of Neftalí’s childhood portrayed in The Dreamer relate to the work and legacy of Pablo Neruda?

How does the situation of the Mapuche people affect Neftalí? What is their wider significance in the text?

Explore the representation of nature in the text. How is nature presented? What influence does it have on Neftalí’s personal development and on the narrative as a whole?