Dreams, and the tenuous barrier between them and waking, form the foundation of “The Eve of St. Agnes.” The story hinges on the superstition that, if a maiden follows certain rites, they will be shown a dream of their future love. A surprising requirement of this ritual is that the woman never “look behind, nor sideways” (6.8). This idea of not looking back recalls the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice, another dream-like tale about crossing worlds in the name of love. It suggests the fragility of magic and dreaming—that, despite their power, they can be easily dissipated by doubt.

Unlike Orpheus, Madeline does manage to complete her ritual correctly and is rewarded with a dream of her beloved. When Porphyro wakes her, however, she is horrified at his mortal appearance and comments that he looks close to death. The irony in this moment is that when faced with the reality, she sees only its ability to decay. In her dream, Porphyro is strong and ageless but ephemeral. Despite their contrast, both are doomed to be lost.

At this point in the story, Madeline invites Porphyro into her dream where she can reunite with the immortal version of him. Depending on how one chooses to read the poem, it might be only a few moments until the lovers wake and decide to flee the castle together; or, it might be that their flight away from Madeline’s savage family towards their new life is only another facet of her dream world.