Neftalí can’t stop daydreaming, a pastime his father thinks is for “weaklings” and “fools.” Father values physical strength and financial security. He wants Neftalí to pursue a practical career, like one in business or medicine. Despite Father’s plans, Neftalí becomes a prolific and celebrated poet and writer. The story of The Dreamer demonstrates the influences of Neftalí’s childhood on the life and career of Pablo Neruda, the name by which he’s now known. It shows that Neftalí’s daydreaming is not an idle and foolish pastime, but a pursuit of his passions which fuels resilience and determination, helping him overcome obstacles so he can follow his calling as an artist and achieve his dreams.

Neftalí often feels invisible. His shyness makes it difficult to connect with others, though he longs for a friend. Other people don’t seem to share his interests, or to understand them. Neftalí lives in a constant state of anxiety stemming from his father’s authoritarian nature. It’s impossible for Neftalí to avoid displeasing Father for long, which he knows will result in insults and humiliation from his father. When he daydreams, however, the painful things in his life recede: He forgets about his shyness, his loneliness, even Father’s disapproval.