In this text, darrow points out that childhood is a time filled with dreams and illusions.

how does that serve as an important theme in this text?

darrow repeatedly brings up the idea of childhood illusions shaped by the wrong kind of books, which is relatable and may make leopold and loeb more sympathetic. this is intended to convince the judge to be merciful to the teens.

darrow describes the elaborate make-believe stories that leopold and loeb would invent as lonely children, ignored by their wealthy, globe-trotting parents. this the judge and the courtroom audience think of them as people, not monsters.

darrow argues that leopold and loeb were influenced by the books they read and that’s why they committed their crime. he connects the books to childhood dreams to demonstrate how frightened a child may be after having a nightmare.

darrow describes teens living in a world of fantasies and explains that they couldn’t tell the difference between fantasy and reality. by explaining their dream world, he shows they were not aware that their actions were harmful and permanent.