What Was the Meaning Behind Eleven's Dreams in Stranger Things?

By Jamie Liu | May 8, 2025

What Was the Meaning Behind Eleven’s Dreams in Stranger Things?

The dreamy sequences in Stranger Things have captivated audiences since the show’s inception. While many are simply whimsical escapes from Hawkins’ bleak reality, Eleven’s visions hold a deeper significance, offering clues about her mysterious past and the terrifying forces that haunt her.

Early on, Eleven’s dreams were dominated by the looming figure of her mother. In one chilling vision, she relives her separation, the look of defeat etched on her mother’s face as she forces Eleven away. This dream suggests a profound sense of abandonment, a yearning for maternal love that was never fully realized.

As Eleven delves deeper into the mysteries of the Upside Down, her dreams transform. The vibrant colors of her childhood are replaced by a desolate landscape of decaying structures and flickering lights. The presence of the Mind Flayer looms large, often disguised as familiar figures from Hawkins. In one particularly disturbing dream, Eleven is forced to consume brains, hinting at the horrifying transformations that await her if she succumbs to the creature’s influence.

These nightmares reveal the immense burden Eleven carries. The physical and emotional scars of her experiments remain unresolved, leading to lingering anxieties and terrifying premonitions. The visions also foreshadow the devastating consequences of her burgeoning telekinetic abilities, which she desperately tries to control.

The dream sequences are enriched with symbolism, offering subtle clues about the characters’ fates. The Star Wars references that pepper the show take on a new layer of meaning in Eleven’s dreams. The Jedi, who also grapple with powerful abilities and temptation, serve as a possible parallel for Eleven’s struggle.

The question remains: what will it take for Eleven to finally confront her nightmares and find peace? Will she be able to overcome the trauma of her past and harness her abilities for good? Or will the Upside Down continue to haunt her, whispering promises of a twisted destiny?