Subject: Re: Dream vs. vision
From: dan@GNU.AI.MIT.EDU
Date: 1990-10-02, 19:17
Newsgroups: alt.tv.twin-peaks

Okay, now that we've established that there is a posibility that
there is a distinction between a TP dream and a TP visions, let's 
define what these terms mean, and also which ones are which in the
context of the series itself.

Tentatively:

A dream is a "sober" rehash of the days events.

A vision is where great truths are revealed.

So which is which, based on this hypothesis?  In other words, was
The Giant simply Cooper dreaming again (either an actual sleeping
dream OR a delirium)?  It seems possible, especially considering that
he interracted with the giant, as opposed to say Mrs. Palmer just
flashing on Killer Bob's face.

It isn't clear if the Major's experience was an interractive one
or not.  I do like the theory that he is foreshadowing his own
death, and wants to make peace with his son.  The more I think of
it, the more convinced I am that his vision is important, and that his
secret work is very essential to everything, and may be of a more sinister
nature than previously thought.  

Incidentally, people who fear the show's flirtations with mysticism
and ambiguity, remember The Prisoner - there were flirtations
with mysticism and no easy resolutions there either.  But it was
a terrific show, every bit the equal of TP in tone and style.

- dan
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Elvis was seated on the toilet, actually reading a religious book...when 
suddenly a terrible pain gripped him by his stomach and seized his heart with a
strangler's grip.  'Oh no, dear dear God,' he thought.  He couldn't move.  He 
couldn't get up.  He had to get up.  He must get up...That terrible pain, like 
swords of fire, jabbing, slitting, cutting into his stomach, and especially his
liver - it was impossible to bear...Suddenly the thought flashed through him: 
this must be like what Jesus suffered."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------