We discussed a lot in class how Hammett as an author does not allow us to see into the minds of his characters. Given only the surface, we as readers must interpret the feelings and motives of the characters for ourselves. However, Hammett does give us some imput into the inner workings of his characters Ned and Janet in their dreams; their subconscious minds. Assuming that they are telling the truth (well Janet lies at first but she eventually tells Ned the truth) we can understand a little more about the story by interpreting the dreams. Ned comments to Janet;
“That was only a dream,” he said. “Forget it.” He smiled without merriment. (211)
But Hammett obviously included the dreams for a reason. As readers, we can argue all we want over whether or not Janet and Ned are actually in love with each other, but we will never reach any definite conclusion because we have no access to their thoughts. Yet regardless of whether or not they are in love, their relationship is destined to failure based on my interpretation of their dreams.
I used the website http://www.dreammoods.com for interpretations. It’s sort of a rough analysis, but you get the idea.
FishingTo dream that you are fishing, indicates that you are confronting and bringing your repressed emotions to the surface. In particular, to dream that you are ice fishing, suggests that you are breaking through a hardened emotional barrier and confronting difficult feelings from your unconscious.
Ned is perhaps confronting his repressed feelings about Janet. Typically a loner, Ned actually opens up to Janet and confides in her. He is “breaking through a hardened emotional barrier.” Yet in his dream, she throws back his fish. Once Ned finally opens up, Janet rejects him. This dream perhaps be seen as a foreshadow of future betrayal.
Janet’s dream includes snakes.
Snake
To see a snake or be bitten by one in your dream, signifies hidden fears and worries that are threatening you. Your dream may be alerting you to something in your waking life that you are not aware of or that has not yet surfaced. The snake may also be seen as phallic and thus symbolize dangerous and forbidden sexuality. The snake may also refer to a person around you who is callous, ruthless, and can’t be trusted. As a positive symbol, snakes represent transformation, knowledge and wisdom. It is indicative of self-renewal and positive changes.
Janet may or may not have fallen for Ned; but her dream is telling her that he can’t be trusted. The dangerous and forbidden sexuality also fits right in since Ned is betraying his friend Paul. Another key (haha key!) symbol in Janet’s dream is a key! Dreammood.com says:
Key
To see a key in your dream, symbolizes opportunities, access, control, secrets, or responsibilities. You may be locking away your own inner feelings and emotions.
To see broken keys in your dream, signifies many quarrels and possibly a break-up.Both Ned and Janet’s dreams foreshadow the inevitable failure of their relationship. Though they seem to be counter egos, the problem may be that they are too much alike. They both cannot be trusted, and this may lead to their eventual downfall as a couple.