My take on reading it was that it was a genuine dream he had.
I think he’d have given more clues to such if it were a literary device.
He’s been an exceedingly candid straight shooter after his conversion.
Redeemed Convicts learn they have nothing to lose and all to gain by being straightforward.
That’s my take on it as well, I’m just trying to ensure that I’ve done my best to check every angle before saying “this one seems legit”. You know, being a Berean and all that. ;)