Final answer:
Steven's reaction to the dream where Jeffrey dies would likely encompass a range of emotions informed by his understanding of symbols and laws discussed in the quotes provided. These might include themes of mourning, justice, and the foreboding of loss, which are significant to character development and plot progression in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question appears to revolve around analyzing a character's reaction to a dream in a literary context. In literature, characters' reactions to dreams can reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings, and can foreshadow events to come in the narrative. Steven's dream in which Jeffrey dies could elicit a range of emotional responses, from fear and anxiety to a deep reflection on mortality. Dreams in literature often serve as a symbolic mechanism to advance the plot or to provide insight into the characters' subconscious.
For instance, in the quote where Steven notes, "figures pulling at their hair, this is a symbol of mourning." This can represent a subconscious processing of grief or loss that the character may be experiencing or anticipating. Additionally, the reference to the law of "an eye for an eye," can suggest a theme of justice or retribution that may resonate with Steven’s feelings about the dream. If Steven is reflecting on the dream similarly to his interpretations of these symbols and laws, his reaction might include feelings of dread or a premonition of loss.
Ultimately, the reaction to a dream will depend on the personal context of the character within the story, and the emotional and psychological state that they are in when experiencing the dream. Literature often uses dreams as a narrative tool to explore complex emotions and themes, and to connect the inner world of characters to the larger narrative.