Summary: In Iris Murdoch's 1969 novel "Bruno's Dream," the protagonist Bruno grapples with the heavy burden of consciousness as he navigates the complexities of sleeping and waking. He reflects on his dreams and memories, contemplates his mortality and relationships with Janie and Maureen, and finds solace in contemplation and tears. Meanwhile, interactions with Diana, Danby, and others reveal underlying tensions and sacrifices in their relationships. Bruno's declining health and longing for connections bring to light themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery as the characters navigate their intertwined lives in a poignant and introspective narrative.