I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez: Ultimate Guide

Explore I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez, a captivating tale of mystery, dreams, and destiny from the CBSE Class 12 Elective English textbook Kaleidoscope. This ultimate guide includes a detailed summary, central idea, themes, character sketches, plot analysis, and answers to comprehension questions. Dive into this masterpiece of magical realism, blending reality and fantasy, and discover the profound power of belief and human imagination. Perfect for exam preparation and a deeper understanding of one of Márquez’s finest short stories!

Summary of I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez

Gabriel García Márquez’s short story I Sell My Dreams exemplifies magical realism, blending fantasy with reality. The tale begins with a vivid description of a disaster in Havana, where a massive wave embeds a car into a hotel wall, revealing the mutilated body of a woman with a distinctive snake-shaped ring. The narrator recalls this woman as Frau Frieda, an enigmatic figure he had met decades earlier in Vienna.

Frau Frieda was known for her prophetic dreams, which she claimed were her livelihood. Born in Colombia, she gained fame in Vienna by offering her dream interpretations to a wealthy family during World War II. Her predictions governed every aspect of the family’s life, eventually earning her a share of their estate. The narrator shares an encounter where Frieda’s dream compelled him to leave Vienna, a decision that profoundly influenced his life.

Years later, the narrator encounters Frau Frieda again in Barcelona, during a gathering with poet Pablo Neruda. She reveals her success in Austria and her move to Portugal. Despite Neruda’s scepticism about prophetic dreams, their meeting adds a layer of mystique to the narrative.

In a striking conclusion, the narrator learns more about Frau Frieda from the Portuguese ambassador but remains mystified by her life. Her death underscores her peculiar existence, leaving the reader pondering the enigmatic power of dreams.

Word Meaning of I Sell My Dreams

List of difficult words and their meanings from the story “I Sell My Dreams” by Gabriel García Márquez:

Word/Expression	Simple Definition
Clairvoyance	The ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact; psychic ability.
Encrusted	Covered or decorated with a hard surface layer.
Intrigued	Extremely interested or curious about something.
Prophecy	A prediction of what will happen in the future, often with spiritual or mystical connotations.
Superstition	A belief or practice based on fear of the unknown or faith in magic or chance rather than reason.
Oracular	Relating to an oracle; prophetic or mysterious in manner.
Catastrophe	A sudden and widespread disaster or misfortune.
Disenchantment	Disappointment or loss of belief in something once admired.
Stratagem	A clever plan or trick used to achieve an end, especially in deception.
Ineffable	Too great or extreme to be expressed in words.
Languid	Displaying a relaxed, slow, or lazy manner, often due to fatigue or indifference.
Fiery	Intense, passionate, or involving fire.
Espionage	The practice of spying or using spies to gather information, especially for political or military purposes.
Euphoria	A feeling of intense excitement or happiness.
Antiquated	Old-fashioned or outdated.

Central Idea of I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez

The central idea of I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez revolves around the mysterious interplay between dreams, destiny, and survival. The story reflects the power of belief in dreams and the impact they can have on human lives, even in an era dominated by rationality. Through the enigmatic character of Frau Frieda, who “sells her dreams,” Márquez explores how dreams can serve as a tool for navigating life’s uncertainties, symbolising both human hope and superstition.

Frau Frieda’s ability to interpret dreams and use them as a guiding force gives her influence over those who believe in her prophetic power. Her life is a blend of mysticism and pragmatism; she uses her “gift” not only to help others but also to secure her survival in a harsh and unpredictable world. Her predictions shape decisions, from personal choices to life-altering actions, underscoring the dual nature of dreams as both inspiring and manipulative.

The story also contrasts the scepticism of modern intellectuals, such as Pablo Neruda, with the enduring human inclination towards mysticism. Márquez uses magical realism to blur the line between reality and fantasy, leaving readers questioning the truth behind Frau Frieda’s dreams. Ultimately, the story portrays dreams as a reflection of human vulnerability, creativity, and the desire to make sense of the unpredictable nature of life.

Themes of I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez

Gabriel García Márquez’s I Sell My Dreams explores several interconnected themes that delve into the complexity of human nature and the intersection of reality and fantasy.

1. Dreams and Destiny
The story’s central theme revolves around the power of dreams and their potential to influence lives. Frau Frieda’s ability to predict future events through her dreams raises questions about fate, free will, and the mysterious forces that shape human decisions.

2. Superstition vs Rationality
The narrative juxtaposes the mystical world of dreams with the scepticism of modern rational thought. While characters like Frau Frieda find survival and influence through dream interpretations, others, such as Pablo Neruda, dismiss them as mere imagination. This conflict highlights the enduring human struggle between belief in the mystical and adherence to logic.

3. Survival and Adaptation
Frau Frieda’s life story showcases the theme of survival through resourcefulness. Her dreams are not just mystical tools but also a means to navigate life’s challenges, ensuring her security and sustenance in an uncertain world.

4. The Ambiguity of Truth
The story blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, a hallmark of magical realism. Márquez challenges readers to question the nature of truth, leaving them in a state of contemplation about the authenticity of Frau Frieda’s dreams and her legacy.

These themes collectively enrich the narrative, making it a profound exploration of human beliefs, aspirations, and the enigmatic nature of life itself.

Character Sketches of Main Character(s) in I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez

Frau Frieda
Frau Frieda is the enigmatic protagonist of I Sell My Dreams. A Colombian by birth, she is portrayed as an intriguing, resourceful woman who uses her talent for interpreting dreams to carve out a life for herself. Her gift, which she confidently claims as her profession, allows her to influence and control the lives of others.

Despite her mystical aura, Frieda is pragmatic, using her predictions to ensure her own survival and secure wealth. She remains shrouded in mystery, as even her true name is unknown. Márquez depicts her as charming, self-assured, and manipulative, blurring the lines between genuine prophetic ability and clever opportunism. Her life reflects themes of fate, superstition, and the human tendency to seek guidance in the supernatural.

The Narrator
The unnamed narrator of the story plays the role of an observer, piecing together Frau Frieda’s life and legacy. Through his encounters with her, he becomes both a sceptic and a believer, illustrating the power of her influence. He admires her charisma but questions the authenticity of her dreams, reflecting the central tension between mysticism and rationality. His interactions with Frau Frieda provide the lens through which her character is explored, making him a pivotal yet secondary figure in the narrative.

Pablo Neruda
Although a minor character, the celebrated poet Neruda serves as a contrast to Frau Frieda. His scepticism towards dreams and belief in poetry as the only clairvoyant force underscore the story’s thematic conflict between mysticism and reason.

These characters enrich the story, adding depth and complexity to its exploration of dreams and human nature.

Plot of I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez

The plot of I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez unfolds in a blend of reality and mysticism, characteristic of magical realism. The story begins with a dramatic event in Havana, where a massive wave embeds a car into a hotel wall. Among the wreckage is the body of a woman wearing a distinctive snake-shaped ring. This incident leads the narrator to recall Frau Frieda, a mysterious woman he met decades earlier in Vienna.

Frau Frieda is a Colombian who claims to “sell her dreams” for a living. In Vienna, she uses her ability to interpret dreams to gain influence over a wealthy family. Her predictions dictate the family’s decisions, granting her a secure life and a share of their wealth. Her mystical aura and pragmatic survival strategies make her both awe-inspiring and enigmatic.

Years later, the narrator encounters Frau Frieda in Barcelona during an event involving poet Pablo Neruda. Her charm and stories of her successful life intrigue the narrator, although Neruda remains sceptical about her prophetic dreams.

The story comes full circle when the narrator learns about her death from a Portuguese ambassador. Despite the ambassador’s admiration for her, her life remains enigmatic, with the final revelation that her only profession was dreaming. The plot’s non-linear narrative and unresolved mysteries leave readers contemplating the profound influence of dreams and the ambiguity of truth.

Questions and Answers of I Sell My Dreams by Gabriel García Márquez

Stop and Think – 1

1. How did the author recognise the lady who was extricated from the car encrusted in the wall of Havana Riviera Hotel after the storm?
The author recognised the lady by her distinctive gold snake-shaped ring with emerald eyes. This ring reminded him of Frau Frieda, a mysterious woman he had met years earlier in Vienna.

2. Why did the author leave Vienna never to return again?
The author left Vienna because Frau Frieda warned him in a dream to leave immediately and stay away for five years. Her conviction was so strong that he took the warning seriously and departed that very night.

Stop and Think – 2

1. How did Pablo Neruda know that somebody behind him was looking at him?
Pablo Neruda intuitively sensed that someone was watching him. He paused his meal, adjusted the lobster antennae, and quietly informed the narrator about the presence of an observer behind him.

2. How did Pablo Neruda counter Frau Frieda’s claims to clairvoyance?
Neruda dismissed Frau Frieda’s claims by stating that only poetry is clairvoyant. This reflected his belief in art’s power to perceive truths, contrasting with her assertions about prophetic dreams.

Understanding the Text

1. Did the author believe in the prophetic ability of Frau Frieda?
The author was sceptical about Frau Frieda’s prophetic abilities. While he acknowledged her influence and took her warnings seriously, he considered her dreams a survival strategy rather than genuine predictions.

2. Why did he think that Frau Frieda’s dreams were a stratagem for surviving?
The author believed that Frau Frieda used her dreams as a tool to gain control and support. Her ability to manipulate people’s beliefs allowed her to secure a stable life, wealth, and influence in her patrons’ lives.

3. Why does the author compare Neruda to a Renaissance pope?
The author compares Neruda to a Renaissance pope because of his indulgent lifestyle, refined tastes, and commanding presence. His gluttony, charisma, and larger-than-life personality evoke the image of a powerful and extravagant historical figure.

Talking about the Text

1. In spite of all the rationality that human beings are capable of, most of us are suggestible and yield to archaic superstitions.
Humans, despite their rationality, often find comfort in superstitions during uncertain times. The story illustrates how belief in prophetic dreams can influence decisions, showing that even in modernity, archaic beliefs persist due to fear or hope.

2. Dreams and clairvoyance are as much an element of the poetic vision as religious superstition.
Dreams and clairvoyance are tools of poetic expression, reflecting the subconscious and symbolic truths. Like religious superstition, they appeal to emotions, offering meaning beyond logic, as seen in Frau Frieda’s influence on others’ lives.

Appreciation

1. The story hinges on a gold ring shaped like a serpent with emerald eyes. Comment on the responses that this image evokes in the reader.

The gold ring shaped like a serpent with emerald eyes serves as a recurring motif in the story, symbolising mystery, wisdom, and deception. Its unique and vivid description immediately captures the reader’s imagination, setting Frau Frieda apart as an enigmatic figure. The serpent, often associated with mysticism and danger, aligns with the themes of prophecy and manipulation that define her character. The emerald eyes add an air of allure and intrigue, reflecting the hypnotic power her dreams hold over others. The ring becomes a key identifier, bridging different timelines in the narrative—from the narrator’s recollection of Vienna to the present events in Havana.

This continuity reinforces the sense of fate and inevitability central to the story. By focusing on such a striking image, Márquez deepens the reader’s engagement, allowing them to visualise and interpret Frau Frieda’s complex persona. The ring encapsulates the blend of reality and mysticism that defines the story, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

2. The craft of a master storyteller lies in the ability to interweave imagination and reality. Do you think that this story illustrates this?

Gabriel García Márquez’s I Sell My Dreams exemplifies the craft of a master storyteller by seamlessly interweaving imagination and reality. The story begins with a realistic, dramatic event—a car embedded in a hotel wall after a massive wave. This vivid opening grounds the narrative in reality, only to gradually introduce magical elements through Frau Frieda’s prophetic dreams. Márquez employs subtle, almost believable mysticism that blends into everyday life, making the extraordinary appear ordinary. For instance, Frau Frieda’s dreams influence major decisions and shape lives, yet they are accepted without question by those around her.

The narrator’s scepticism mirrors the readers’, but even he is compelled by the power of her visions. Márquez’s use of rich, sensory descriptions further bridges the gap between the real and the fantastical, immersing the reader in a world where both coexist seamlessly. This fusion challenges perceptions of truth and belief, creating a narrative that is thought-provoking, captivating, and quintessentially magical realism.

3. Bring out the contradiction in the last exchange between the author and the Portuguese ambassador.

The last exchange between the narrator and the Portuguese ambassador encapsulates a profound contradiction. The ambassador speaks highly of Frau Frieda, praising her as an extraordinary individual, yet concludes with a dismissive statement: “She dreamed.” This contrast highlights the duality of Frau Frieda’s character. On one hand, her dreams significantly impacted people’s lives, guiding decisions and creating a sense of security. On the other hand, the ambassador’s remark reduces her role to a passive act, seemingly undermining her influence.

This contradiction mirrors the story’s broader theme of mysticism versus rationality. While her dreams appear mundane in action, their profound effect on others elevates them to a higher, almost spiritual level. This irony forces the reader to question societal perceptions of value and achievement. It also underscores Márquez’s mastery in portraying the complexities of human belief, where even the simplest acts, like dreaming, can hold immense power and evoke admiration.

4. Comment on the ironical element in the story.

Irony pervades I Sell My Dreams, most notably in Frau Frieda’s life and the impact of her dreams. While she is revered as a visionary whose dreams guide and influence others, her role is ultimately passive—she does nothing but dream. This stark contrast highlights the paradox of human belief systems. Her patrons’ lives revolve around her predictions, yet the act of dreaming requires no effort or skill beyond her natural inclination. Another layer of irony is the narrator’s scepticism; although he doubts the prophetic nature of her dreams, he still acts upon them, demonstrating the power of suggestion.

The story’s conclusion adds to this irony, as the Portuguese ambassador praises her greatness but reduces her significance to “dreaming.” Márquez uses this irony to explore themes of superstition, survival, and the human need for meaning. By presenting these contradictions, the story questions the value placed on intangible qualities and the mystique that often surrounds the simplest actions.

Summary of I Sell My Dreams in Hindi

परिचय

“मैं अपने सपने बेचती हूँ” गेब्रियल गार्सिया मारकेज़ की एक ऐसी कहानी है, जो जादुई यथार्थवाद (Magical Realism) का बेहतरीन उदाहरण है। यह कहानी हमारे अंदर छिपी अंधविश्वास की प्रवृत्ति, भविष्यवाणी के प्रति आकर्षण और सपनों के रहस्यमय प्रभाव पर आधारित है। कहानी में मुख्य पात्र फ्राउ फ्रिडा है, जो दावा करती है कि वह अपने सपनों के माध्यम से भविष्य देख सकती है। कहानी में यथार्थ और कल्पना का ऐसा अनूठा मिश्रण है, जो पाठक को अंत तक बाँधे रखता है।

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कहानी की शुरुआत: हवाना रिवेरा होटल

कहानी एक भयावह दृश्य से शुरू होती है। लेखक हवाना रिवेरा होटल के टेरेस पर नाश्ता कर रहे होते हैं, जब अचानक समुद्र की एक विशाल लहर आती है और एक कार को होटल की दीवार में धकेल देती है। इस घटना से पूरे होटल में हड़कंप मच जाता है। बाद में जब कार को दीवार से निकाला जाता है, तो उसमें एक महिला की लाश मिलती है।
उस महिला के शरीर पर सांप के आकार की एक सोने की अंगूठी होती है, जिसमें पन्ने की आँखें लगी होती हैं। इस अंगूठी को देखकर लेखक के मन में यह शक पैदा होता है कि यह महिला कहीं फ्राउ फ्रिडा तो नहीं। कहानी के इसी रहस्यमयी तत्व से पाठक की जिज्ञासा बढ़ती है।

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फ्राउ फ्रिडा का परिचय

लेखक कहानी को पीछे ले जाते हैं और बताते हैं कि फ्राउ फ्रिडा से उनकी पहली मुलाकात वियना में हुई थी। फ्राउ फ्रिडा एक कोलंबियाई महिला थीं, जो छोटी उम्र में ही ऑस्ट्रिया आई थीं। वह सुंदर नहीं थीं और उनकी उम्र उनके चेहरे पर झलकती थी, लेकिन उनके व्यक्तित्व में एक रहस्यमयी आकर्षण था।
फ्राउ फ्रिडा का दावा था कि वह अपने सपनों के माध्यम से भविष्य देख सकती थीं। उन्होंने अपनी इसी कला के बल पर वियना में एक अमीर परिवार के साथ रहना शुरू किया, जहाँ वह हर सुबह अपने सपनों के आधार पर उनके दिन का भविष्यवक्ता बनती थीं।

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सपनों के माध्यम से भविष्यवाणी

फ्राउ फ्रिडा ने बचपन में ही यह महसूस किया था कि उनके सपनों में कुछ खास बातें होती हैं। जब वह सात साल की थीं, तो उन्होंने अपने भाई के बारे में एक सपना देखा था, जिसमें उन्होंने कहा था कि वह मिठाई न खाए। इस भविष्यवाणी के बावजूद, उनका भाई चुपके से मिठाई खा रहा था और उसी दौरान वह मिठाई के टुकड़े में फँसकर दम तोड़ देता है।
यही वह घटना थी, जिसने फ्राउ फ्रिडा को अपने सपनों की ताकत का एहसास कराया। इसके बाद उन्होंने सपनों को अपने जीवन का आधार बना लिया।

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वियना और फ्राउ फ्रिडा की मुलाकात

जब लेखक पहली बार वियना आते हैं, तो वे फ्राउ फ्रिडा से मिलते हैं। फ्राउ फ्रिडा छात्रों के साथ एक सामान्य से भोजनालय में खाना खाती थीं, लेकिन उनके पास पैसे की कमी नहीं थी। उन्होंने अपने सपनों के माध्यम से अमीर परिवारों का विश्वास और संपत्ति दोनों ही हासिल कर ली थी।
फ्राउ फ्रिडा लेखक को उनके भविष्य को लेकर एक चेतावनी देती हैं। वह कहती हैं कि लेखक को तुरंत वियना छोड़ देना चाहिए और पाँच साल तक वापस नहीं आना चाहिए। इस भविष्यवाणी पर लेखक इतना प्रभावित होते हैं कि वह उसी रात वियना छोड़ देते हैं।

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पाब्लो नेरुदा और फ्राउ फ्रिडा की मुलाकात

कहानी का एक और दिलचस्प हिस्सा तब आता है जब लेखक प्रसिद्ध कवि पाब्लो नेरुदा के साथ फ्राउ फ्रिडा से मिलते हैं। यह मुलाकात बार्सिलोना में होती है। नेरुदा, जो सपनों में विश्वास नहीं करते, फ्राउ फ्रिडा के व्यक्तित्व और उनके सपनों की चर्चा से चकित रह जाते हैं।
फ्राउ फ्रिडा ने नेरुदा को बताया कि उन्होंने भी उनके बारे में एक सपना देखा था। इस पर नेरुदा ने मजाकिया लहजे में कहा कि सपने केवल कविता के माध्यम से सच हो सकते हैं। लेकिन कहानी यहाँ यह संकेत देती है कि शायद नेरुदा भी फ्राउ फ्रिडा की शक्ति से प्रभावित हुए थे।

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कहानी का अंत और रहस्य

कहानी का अंत लेखक के साथ फ्राउ फ्रिडा की यादों और उनके सांप की अंगूठी के रहस्य के साथ होता है। जब लेखक एक राजनयिक से मिलते हैं, तो उन्हें पता चलता है कि फ्राउ फ्रिडा ने वास्तव में कुछ नहीं किया। उनका पूरा जीवन केवल सपनों और लोगों को अपने सपनों के प्रति विश्वास दिलाने पर आधारित था।
यह कहानी यह सवाल उठाती है कि क्या वास्तव में सपनों में भविष्य देखने की शक्ति होती है, या यह सब केवल मानवीय कल्पना है?

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कहानी का सार

“मैं अपने सपने बेचती हूँ” एक गहरी और भावुक कहानी है, जो सपनों, अंधविश्वास और मानव स्वभाव की गहराई को उजागर करती है। फ्राउ फ्रिडा का व्यक्तित्व और उनके सपनों की शक्ति यह सोचने पर मजबूर करती है कि यथार्थ और कल्पना के बीच की सीमा कितनी धुंधली हो सकती है।

Summary of I Sell My Dreams in Urdu

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on I Sell My Dreams

11. What does the snake-shaped gold ring with emerald eyes symbolize in the story?
    a) Wealth and power
    b) Mystery and fate
    c) Evil and deception
    d) Protection and luck
    Answer: b) Mystery and fate
12. It can be inferred that Frau Frieda’s patrons in Vienna:
    a) Respected her talents deeply.
    b) Were indifferent to her predictions.
    c) Exploited her for financial gain.
    d) Feared her supernatural abilities.
    Answer: a) Respected her talents deeply.
13. What is the significance of Pablo Neruda dreaming about Frau Frieda?
    a) It validates her dreams.
    b) It challenges his disbelief in prophecy.
    c) It connects them on a deeper level.
    d) It is purely coincidental.
    Answer: b) It challenges his disbelief in prophecy.
14. What does the story suggest about the coexistence of rationality and superstition?
    a) Rationality always overcomes superstition.
    b) Superstition has no place in modern life.
    c) They coexist in human nature.
    d) Superstition is superior to rationality.
    Answer: c) They coexist in human nature.
15. According to the story, why did Frau Frieda leave Austria?
    a) She retired with her fortune.
    b) She was forced out due to war.
    c) She wanted to explore other cultures.
    d) She was disillusioned with her patrons.
    Answer: a) She retired with her fortune.
16. What is implied by the author’s description of Vienna as a city “between two irreconcilable worlds”?
    a) It was a divided city.
    b) It was culturally rich.
    c) It was a hub for international conflict.
    d) It was torn between modernity and tradition.
    Answer: c) It was a hub for international conflict.
17. How does the author’s tone shift when he recalls Frau Frieda’s advice to leave Vienna?
    a) From sceptical to admiring
    b) From amused to solemn
    c) From indifferent to reflective
    d) From dismissive to grateful
    Answer: d) From dismissive to grateful
18. What caused the author to initially recognize the woman in the Havana car accident?
    a) Her clothes
    b) Her face
    c) Her unique ring
    d) Her name in the newspaper
    Answer: c) Her unique ring
19. What was Frau Frieda’s childhood method of interpreting dreams?
    a) Using a book of dream meanings
    b) Relying on her mother’s advice
    c) Formulating her own prophetic system
    d) Consulting religious texts
    Answer: c) Formulating her own prophetic system
20. What does the story imply about the reliability of prophetic dreams?
    a) They are always accurate.
    b) They are open to interpretation.
    c) They are dangerous to believe in.
    d) They are purely coincidental.
    Answer: b) They are open to interpretation.
21. How does the author describe Pablo Neruda’s approach to life?
    a) As mystical and spiritual
    b) As rational and logical
    c) As indulgent and curious
    d) As disciplined and reserved
    Answer: c) As indulgent and curious
22. What is the sequence of events leading to Frau Frieda’s fortune in Vienna?
    a) She predicts the future, controls the family, inherits wealth.
    b) She works for the family, dreams of fortune, retires.
    c) She deceives her patrons, gains trust, inherits wealth.
    d) She dreams of fortune, manipulates events, gains control.
    Answer: a) She predicts the future, controls the family, inherits wealth.
23. What is the author’s attitude toward Frau Frieda’s dreams?
    a) Dismissive and sceptical
    b) Respectful and admiring
    c) Playful and curious
    d) Mixed, with both doubt and intrigue
    Answer: d) Mixed, with both doubt and intrigue
24. What does the story suggest about the nature of dreams?
    a) They are meaningless.
    b) They can serve practical purposes.
    c) They are purely fictional constructs.
    d) They always lead to financial gain.
    Answer: b) They can serve practical purposes.
25. What is ironic about the Portuguese ambassador’s description of Frau Frieda?
    a) He admires her for doing “nothing.”
    b) He downplays her talents despite her success.
    c) He describes her dreams as ordinary.
    d) He regrets not believing in her talents.
    Answer: a) He admires her for doing “nothing.”

Extra Practice Questions from I Sell My Dreams

1. What does the story reveal about human reliance on superstition and dreams for decision-making?
   Answer: The story highlights the human tendency to rely on superstition and dreams during uncertain times, as seen in the family’s dependence on Frau Frieda’s predictions during the war years. It underscores the psychological need for guidance and certainty, even from unscientific sources.
2. How does Gabriel García Márquez blend magical realism with everyday reality in the story?
   Answer: Márquez uses the concept of prophetic dreams—a fantastical element—within the realistic settings of Vienna, Havana, and Barcelona. By juxtaposing the ordinary and the extraordinary, he seamlessly blends magical realism into the narrative.
3. What role does the snake ring play as a motif in the story?
   Answer: The snake ring acts as a recurring symbol of mystery, fate, and identity. It connects the narrator’s memories of Frau Frieda with the woman who died in Havana, providing a tangible link to her enigmatic presence and the central theme of dreams.
4. In what ways does the setting of Vienna contribute to the themes of the story?
   Answer: Vienna’s status as a hub of espionage and black marketeering mirrors the themes of duality and mystery in the story. It is a fitting backdrop for Frau Frieda, whose life intertwines secrecy and the extraordinary.
5. How does the narrator’s perception of Frau Frieda evolve over the course of the story?
   Answer: Initially, the narrator views Frau Frieda with curiosity and scepticism. Over time, as her dreams affect his life and he reflects on her mysterious nature, his perception shifts to one of awe and respect, mingled with unresolved questions.
6. What does Pablo Neruda’s reaction to Frau Frieda’s dreams signify about differing perspectives on art and clairvoyance?
   Answer: Neruda’s dismissal of dreams in favour of poetry highlights a tension between creative expression and mystical beliefs. His assertion that “only poetry is clairvoyant” underscores his belief in art as a more profound means of understanding life.
7. What is the significance of the narrator never returning to Vienna despite Frau Frieda’s later reassurance?
   Answer: The narrator’s decision not to return suggests the lasting psychological impact of Frau Frieda’s dream. It reflects how deeply the influence of superstition can persist, even when logical reasons no longer apply.
8. How does the story explore the concept of control through Frau Frieda’s interactions with others?
   Answer: Frau Frieda exerts control over those who believe in her dreams, dictating their actions and shaping their lives. This dynamic raises questions about the power of belief and the ways individuals can manipulate others through perceived authority.
9. What contradictions can be observed in the narrator’s attitude towards Frau Frieda and her dreams?
   Answer: The narrator is both sceptical and deeply influenced by Frau Frieda’s predictions. He questions the validity of her dreams yet acts on her advice, revealing a contradiction between his rational mind and his subconscious fears.
10. How does the author use irony in the ambassador’s statement, “She did nothing. She dreamed”?
    Answer: The irony lies in the ambassador’s admiration for Frau Frieda’s dreams, which he describes as “nothing.” This statement underscores the paradox of her life: her seemingly passive act of dreaming had profound, tangible impacts on those around her.

Extract-Based MCQs from I Sell My Dreams

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Extract 1

“One morning at nine o’clock, while we were having breakfast on the terrace of the Havana Riviera Hotel under a bright sun, a huge wave picked up several cars that were driving down the avenue along the seawall or parked on the pavement, and embedded one of them in the side of the hotel.”

Q1. What caused the commotion at the Havana Riviera Hotel?
a) A car accident
b) A huge wave
c) An earthquake
d) A fire in the hotel
Answer: b) A huge wave

Q2. Where were the cars located before the wave hit?
a) Inside the hotel parking lot
b) Parked on the pavement and driving along the avenue
c) Stuck in traffic on the street
d) Parked by the beach
Answer: b) Parked on the pavement and driving along the avenue

Q3. What time did the event at the hotel occur?
a) Early morning at 6 a.m.
b) Late evening at 8 p.m.
c) Morning at 9 a.m.
d) Afternoon at 3 p.m.
Answer: c) Morning at 9 a.m.

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Extract 2

“I only came to tell you that I dreamed about you last night,” she said. “You must leave right away and not come back to Vienna for five years.”

Q4. What advice does Frau Frieda give the narrator?
a) To stop dreaming
b) To leave Vienna immediately and avoid returning for five years
c) To seek shelter from an impending storm
d) To return to Vienna in five days
Answer: b) To leave Vienna immediately and avoid returning for five years

Q5. What is the tone of Frau Frieda’s statement?
a) Apologetic
b) Casual
c) Urgent and serious
d) Joyful
Answer: c) Urgent and serious

Q6. How does the narrator respond to Frau Frieda’s dream?
a) He ignores her advice.
b) He laughs it off as a joke.
c) He follows her advice and leaves Vienna.
d) He decides to confront her.
Answer: c) He follows her advice and leaves Vienna.

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Extract 3

“I stayed in Vienna for more than a month, sharing the straitened circumstances of the other students while I waited for money that never arrived. Frau Frieda’s unexpected and generous visits to the tavern were like fiestas in our poverty-stricken regime.”

Q7. What was the narrator waiting for while in Vienna?
a) A job offer
b) A message from Frau Frieda
c) Money that never arrived
d) A scholarship approval
Answer: c) Money that never arrived

Q8. How does the narrator describe Frau Frieda’s visits?
a) As unwelcome intrusions
b) As joyful and festive moments
c) As a burden
d) As an ordinary occurrence
Answer: b) As joyful and festive moments

Q9. What does the phrase “poverty-stricken regime” suggest about the narrator’s situation?
a) He lived a luxurious life.
b) He struggled financially.
c) He depended entirely on Frau Frieda.
d) He was indifferent to his financial state.
Answer: b) He struggled financially.

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Extract 4

“She wore a gold ring shaped like a serpent, with emerald eyes. The police established that she was the housekeeper for the new Portuguese ambassador and his wife.”

Q10. What distinguished the woman found in the car?
a) Her unique jewellery—a snake-shaped gold ring with emerald eyes
b) Her luxurious clothing
c) Her identification card
d) A note left in the car
Answer: a) Her unique jewellery—a snake-shaped gold ring with emerald eyes

Q11. What was the occupation of the woman in the car?
a) A diplomat
b) A housekeeper
c) A musician
d) A journalist
Answer: b) A housekeeper

Q12. How is the snake-shaped ring significant to the narrator?
a) It reminds him of an unforgettable woman he met years ago.
b) It symbolises wealth and prosperity.
c) It was a common accessory in Havana.
d) It has no particular significance.
Answer: a) It reminds him of an unforgettable woman he met years ago.

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Extract 5

“‘What did she do?’
‘Nothing,’ he said, with a certain disenchantment. ‘She dreamed.'”

Q13. How does the ambassador describe Frau Frieda’s role?
a) As a caregiver
b) As a prophetic dreamer
c) As a manipulator
d) As a scholar
Answer: b) As a prophetic dreamer

Q14. What is ironic about the ambassador’s statement?
a) Frau Frieda’s seemingly passive act of dreaming had a significant impact.
b) He dismisses the importance of dreams despite benefiting from them.
c) He downplays her intelligence while admiring her.
d) He regrets believing in her dreams.
Answer: a) Frau Frieda’s seemingly passive act of dreaming had a significant impact.

Q15. What emotion does the ambassador’s tone convey when speaking about Frau Frieda?
a) Envy
b) Disenchantment mixed with admiration
c) Hostility
d) Indifference
Answer: b) Disenchantment mixed with admiration

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