Honoré de Balzac (for the concept of "dreams" in literature)

Honoré de Balzac, a 19th-century French novelist, explored the theme of dreams in literature as a reflection of human desire and societal aspiration. For Balzac, dreams often reveal characters' deepest ambitions, hopes, and fantasies, serving as a window into their inner lives. He believed that dreams could influence real decisions and actions, shaping a person's destiny. In his works, dreams are not mere escapism but vital, complex elements that highlight the contrasts between reality and idealism, exposing the aspirations that drive individuals within the social and economic landscapes they navigate.