What are dreams? Dreams are a series of thoughts, images, and sensations that occur in a person's mind while they sleep. These could be thoughts that someone has during the day. Maybe they help a person achieve their goals in life. For example, perhaps you dream of becoming an astronomer so that you can one day travel to the International Space Station. Dreams have many important meanings behind them. Ernest Buckler, a very talented author, uses the text to develop a brilliant idea about following one's dream. Buckler uses the symbolism of a penny, the theme of a father-son relationship, and he uses motivation to uncover hidden fantasies in order to develop an idea about pursuing one's dreams. In "Penny in the Dust" by Ernest Buckler, it is important to understand that sometimes in life, meaningless and insignificant objects can be worth more than a treasure to a person. Treasure that could change a relationship between two people. Symbolism is a wonderful literary tool and is found in many great texts, such as in "Penny in the Dust." In this great text by Ernest Buckler, symbolism plays an important role in helping to develop an idea about following one's dreams. As you can see from the title of the story, a penny is mentioned, which means it has some meaning behind it. The penny “shining like gold” (p. 135) in this short story symbolizes the relationship between a father and his son. The relationship between Pete and his father. Pete, a seven-year-old boy, wants his father to recognize him. When Pete had the penny his father gave him, he dreamed/fantasized that he and his father were different people. People who wore nice clothes, owned lawn mowers, and drove nice cars. People who were richer. Pete buried that penny in the dirt and dug... middle of paper... thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind while they sleep. These could be thoughts you have during the day. Maybe help a person achieve their goals in life. For example, you may dream of becoming an astronomer and perhaps one day going to the International Space Station. Dreams have many important meanings behind them. Ernest Buckler, a very talented author, uses the text to develop a brilliant idea about following one's dream. Buckler uses the symbolism of a penny, the theme of a father-son relationship, and he uses motivation to create an idea about hidden fantasies to develop an idea about pursuing one's dreams. In "Penny in the Dust" by Ernest Buckler, it is important to understand that sometimes in life, meaningless and insignificant objects can be worth more than a treasure to a person. A treasure that could change a relationship between two people.