This paper explains that, through the medium of sleep, the authors highlight important issues of the age, personal
psychology,
and the state of the psyche of the nation. The author points out that, through his textual illustration, Brown was highlighting a common fear of time brought about by the birth of liberated thinking and of
psychology, a type of hidden monster syndrome, the battle between the subconscious and the conscious mind. The paper relates that Irving intends for sleep to be the
medium through which he can examine the past and present states of America, rather than the internal struggle of his character, Rip.