Dreams (ePub)

Olive Schreiner (1855-1920) was a South African author, anti-war campaigner, and intellectual. Born to missionary parents in the Eastern Cape, she had an extensive influence on both literature and society with her progressive views on race, gender, and labor. Schreiner's literary style was visionary and richly symbolic, which is evident in her best-known novel, 'The Story of an African Farm' (1883), where she challenged the complex issues of her time through pioneering feminist and humanist themes. Her collection 'Dreams' reflects Schreiner's depth as a thinker, merging philosophical introspection with poignant narratives. This text further exhibits her nuanced approach to prose, where allegorical dreamscapes serve as a vehicle to critique societal norms and envision a more equitable society. Schreiner's advocacy for women's emancipation and her critique of imperialism were revolutionary during her era. Her later works continued to underscore her commitment to advocating for social justice, which is enshrined in subsequent posthumous collections. Beyond her contributions to literature, Schreiner's letters attest to her active engagement with contemporary thinkers and her ongoing battle against the limitations imposed on her as a woman of intellect in a patriarchal society. Schreiner remains a seminal figure in South African literary history and an enduring voice in feminist scholarship.