Schooled

Dreams are a recurring motif that emphasizes central thematic elements in the novel and illuminates the protagonist’s character. The novel features several kinds of dreams: daydreams, in the form of Lionel’s wishes about basketball; nighttime dreams and nightmares that evoke his inner emotional state; and broad concepts like the American dream, alluded to in Langston Hughes’s poem “Harlem.”

Lionel’s dream to become an NBA player helps him cope with his frustrations and manage his emotions: “His NBA dream. It was his only answer to the storm in his mind, his fears about Dad, and his growing troubles at school” (89-90). Lionel’s dreams sustain him during his inner turmoil and help him envision a better future for himself and his family.

Lionel frequently experiences dreams and nightmares that reflect his character growth; the novel typically uses straightforward imagery to make sure that readers easily connects these dreams with Lionel’s reality. Some of these dreams position basketball as an escape from his problems: “In his sleep, he soared high with the basketball. Over their noisy cluttered house. Over Bluford High School and Mrs. Henley’s questions. Over the city with its dangerous blocks and crowded cemeteries filled with young people like Russell” (38-39).