Os Lusíadas and the Oneiric Imagination: Neuroliterary Perspectives

Abstract

In the context of the fifth centenary of Luís de Camões, this article investigates the representation of dreams in Os Lusíadas through an interdisciplinary approach combining literature and neuroscience. A systematic survey of occurrences of the terms "dream" and "dreams" throughout the epic reveals how Camões transforms the oneiric imagination into a multifaceted narrative device. The analysis shows that dreams in Camões’ work are not merely stylistic devices but serve as structural elements that articulate three essential dimensions: the internal conflicts of characters, the heroic aspirations of the narrative, and the psychological anxieties inherent to the maritime journey. Vasco da Gama, the central protagonist, is profoundly influenced by oneiric experiences - both his own and those of other characters - which reflect his fears, desires, and quest for transcendence. By exploring these passages, the study identifies a complex dialogue between Renaissance conceptions of divine intervention and the legacy of classical epics. Furthermore, by engaging with contemporary neurobiology of dreams, it demonstrates how Camões’ oneiric descriptions can be interpreted in light of cognitive processes now mapped by science - such as visual vividness, associated with the occipital cortex, and emotional intensity, linked to amygdala activity during REM sleep. These connections, though interpretive, highlight a relationship between the work and current scientific advancements. This interdisciplinary perspective enriches our understanding of Os Lusíadas, showing how its representation of the oneiric universe remains relevant and engages with the latest investigations into the human mind.