Point of View

The point of view in "Dreams Made Flesh" shifts dramatically from one story to another. It is always in the third person, although how "close" this point of view is depends on the story, as Bishop uses this device very precisely, and to very specific ends. For example, in the first section, the point of view is deliberately left vague, as the distinction between Draca the dragon and the Weaver of Dreams (the spider) becomes blurred, with the Weaver taking on Draca's memories. It is very close in this case, as the spider describes exactly what she thought and felt with very precise detail and a subjective viewpoint. The other three stories allow the reader to understand the character mostly through their actions, rather than their thoughts, letting the reader see the effect that he or she has on others. At the same time, various thoughts...