The Detective of Dreams

Publication(s)

• First publication
  • Dark Forces, ed. Kirby McCauley, 1980
• Wolfe collection(s)
  • Endangered Species (1989)
  • The Best of Gene Wolfe (2009)
• Other anthologies
  • Masterpieces of Fantasy and Enchantment, 1988
  • The Fantasy Hall of Fame, 1998
• Available online as a free download from Baen

Wolfe's comments from the Introduction to Endangered Species

"We have sought and not found, you and I -- thus, The Map. Sought and found, and thus The Detective of Dreams."

Summary

A detective investigates who is causing people to have frightening, recurrent dreams.

Analysis

• The first dreams are parables of
  • The Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) and
  • The Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
• The last dream is a reference to the Golden Rule itself (e.g. Luke 6:27-42).

Unresolved Questions

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