Narrative analysis: Nephi makes virtually no transition between Lehi's reason for relating the vision and the beginning of the vision. Lehi remarks that he fears for Laman and Lemuel, and immediately begins the story of the reason why. This introduction recalls the structural element of Joseph Smith Sr's dream "I thought," said he, "I was traveling in an open, desolate field, which appeared to be very barren." (History of Joseph Smith ) p. 48. In both cases, the setting of the dream serves to create a contrast between the dreary landscape and the tree and river. The purpose of the dream is to highlight the central symbolic figure, and this begins by creating a contrast between the initial scene and the central symbolic figures. The tree and river stand out compared to the dark and dreary wilderness.
Symbolic analysis: the dark and dreary wilderness represents the world, and the choice of words so similar to "dark and dreary world" is a fortuitous choice which makes the association clearer. We are beginning the dream in the current world, and are to be given a vision of "another" world, or realm.