Sultana's Dream

Sultana's Dream Imagery

Flowers (Visual Imagery)

Imagery related to flowers and gardens is repeated throughout the story, which imbues Ladyland with a sense of peace and feminine beauty. Symbolically, the flowers are related to idyllic natural spaces and femininity, and their prevalence in the story reminds the reader of how beautiful and prosperous Ladyland is.

Grass (Tactile Imagery)

As Sultana walks through Sister Sara's garden, she describes how soft the grass feels beneath her feet, which contributes to the depiction of Ladyland as a peaceful, idyllic space and emphasizes how comfortable Sultana feels while she is there, free from men and male influence. Without men, the grass can grow plentifully and Sultana is free to enjoy it, as she can walk around outside of the zenana or any of the constraints imposed upon her during purdah.

The Night Sky (Visual Imagery)

When Sultana wakes up and finds herself in Ladyland, one of the first things that she sees is a "moonlit sky" that sparkles with bright stars above her. Like the rest of Ladyland's physical characteristics, the sky is another feature that adds to Ladyland's dream-like, idealized atmosphere, while also tricking Sultana into at first believing that she is still in her previous home in Calcutta.

The Flying Car (Visual Imagery)

When Sister Sara assembles her flying car, Sultana describes how Sister Sara attaches every piece of the car and builds it right in front of her. The description of the entire process emphasizes how progressive and advanced Ladyland's technical capabilities are, since the reader is permitted to witness the machinery assembled in "real" narrative time and can witness, along with Sultana, just how quickly the car can be built.