Revelation is a book full of symbols. It teaches real things, but the symbol itself is not the literal teaching.
There is much symbolism in Revelation but there is also literal events and passages. This specific event is meant to be taken literally if read in context.
And there is the rub.
How come we can accept symbolism and allegory in Revelations, but some folks expect us to take EVERYTHING else in the Bible as fact?
I believe God gave us the ability to think. And thus, the ability to draw our conclusions.
I deeply respect everyone’s view on their religious beliefs. What a wonderful world it would be if everyone else held the same respect.
Then what about the Transfiguration of Christ when He met with Moses and Elijah? Were they not dead but still communicating with Him? Not arguing, just not sure about the “soul sleep” theory.