The Dreamer

While previous chapter groupings were linked by elements of nature, the final three chapters of The Dreamer revolve around internal characteristics, including emotions and personal values. The narrative arc reaches its climax when Orlando’s newspaper office is destroyed by fire. Brief descriptions of Neftalí’s life and writing in Santiago bring the story of Neftalí’s childhood to its resolution, foreshadowing his future impact and legacy as he confronts issues of Inspiration, Influence, and Identity and defiantly chooses his own path.

Foreshadowing is used earlier in Chapter 12. After Father burns Neftalí’s notebooks, a tiny ember glows under the pile of ash. This connection to the metaphoric ember under the ash of Orlando’s burned office hints that Neftalí won’t give up writing, that he won’t be silenced by such acts. The two parallel fire scenes establish an important conflict in the story: truth versus forced silence. This conflict is manifested first as the struggle of Uncle Orlando’s newspaper—and the Mapuche advocacy group—against the developers. Later it is manifested through the government’s efforts to silence writers, poets, and student protesters.

Scenes of magical realism embodying Neftalí’s imagination develop themes about identity and The Power of Words. Of Neftalí’s newly-chosen pseudonym, the author writes, “The names slid off the paper, marched across the room, and draped themselves on the hook on the back of the bedroom door, becoming a suit of fine clothing […] The name was not only a perfect solution, it was a perfect fit” (335). Neftalí must use this pseudonym to protect his identity like a suit protects a body. He might only use the name until he fully discovers who he is; until he becomes “lost enough to find himself” (336), or finding himself will mean incorporating the new name into his identity as he defines and creates it.

Neftalí’s response to Orlando’s inspiring proclamation following the newspaper office fire demonstrates The Power of Words. Neftalí captures his sentiments on paper that night. His words “wriggled off the page and escaped from the drawer. The letters stacked themselves, one on top of the other. Their towers reached higher and higher until they stood majestic and tall, surrounding Neftalí in a city of promise” (299). This scene symbolizes how self-expression gives Neftalí strength. His fear gnaws at the tower’s foundations and topples them, illustrating an internal conflict between expression and fear.

Guillermo’s character, apart from being a literal bully, serves as a symbol of those who abuse their power, using fear and intimidation to control and silence their opposition. He represents the childhood version of the opponents Neftalí will face later, like murderous developers and an oppressive government. Blanca’s character, as a love interest, demonstrates the intensity of Neftalí’s shyness, illustrating what barriers he must overcome to experience the friendship and human connection he longs for.

As Neftalí matures, he gains insight into the complexity of his father’s character. Just before leaving home, he looks into his father’s eyes and wonders, “Who was inside? Someone mean and hateful? Or someone so controlled by his own past that he dared not allow anyone he loved to control their own future?” (339-40). Seeing his complicated relationship with his father from this perspective frees Neftalí from the metaphoric chains of his father’s criticisms. Had he taken his father’s treatment personally, resentment might have consumed him. His father’s insults would have limited him. This parting scene offers a sort of resolution to the narrative conflict between Neftalí and his father. Though the relationship doesn’t become an ideal one, Neftalí learns to free himself from its restrictive hold.

A pivotal point in Neftalí’s character arc occurs in the aftermath of the fire that burned Orlando’s newspaper office. When his uncle says the developers will never silence his pen, Neftalí takes Orlando’s hand and says, “Nor will they silence mine” (309). He’s decided not to let fear win against the expression of truth.

The conflicts between truth and censorship and between expression and fear culminate in a thematic message about resistance and fighting for what’s right. Uncle Orlando inspires Neftalí to do so, telling him, “there is always something that can be done […] they can never make me surrender my true feelings. I will wait. And then I will start again” (306). He instills in Neftalí a spirit of resilience and self-sacrifice. In the face of opposition that might have exhausted Orlando and made him despair, Neftalí sees righteousness and a resolve to keep fighting. He witnesses in Orlando the type of man he wants to be—a moment that shapes his future political activism.

Neftalí’s identity continues to take shape in these chapters. After the climactic fire, Neftalí hopes he can be strong when the time comes but isn’t convinced. The narrative’s falling action and resolution are imbued with a tone of authorial confidence in Neftalí’s strength, even if he lacks confidence in himself. When he is out of his father’s household and free to make his own choices, Neftalí heeds the call of poetry, showing he has the strength to persevere in the pursuit of his dreams. The thematic exploration of Inspiration, Influence, and Identity culminates in the message that identity can be built and changed over time as an individual grows, and while it is influenced by those who inspire or traumatize, identity is ultimately self-defined.