SOURCE: Liptzin, Sol. “Dream and Reality.” In Arthur Schnitzler, pp. 244-59. New York: Prentice-Hall, 1932.

In the following essay/excerpt, Liptzin discusses the ways in which Dream Story blurs the boundaries between truth and fiction, reality and illusion, and waking life and dream life.

The apparent contradictions often encountered in Schnitzler's works result from his anxiety to view each problem from various angles. As the infinite possibilities encased in every situation are unlocked, the sharp distinctions between truth and fiction, reality and illusion, give way. The world becomes surcharged with magic, and our daily scenes take on a semblance of fairyland. A fragrant mist, a glamorous veil, overhangs all objects. We see of one another only our silhouettes, our shadows.

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Schnitzler often expresses the opinion that the illusion conjured up by an artist may contain more truth than actual facts that were or will be. Memory fails us; hope...