Brutally killing someone who won't die

The first thing to understand is that your actions in a dream don't mean you would do something similar in waking life. You react to the underlying symbolism, which you know subconsciously. So your battle in the dream does not mean you are homicidal, but it does show that you feel strongly about the subject of the dream and the personal situation it depicts.

So let's look at some of the details of the dream and the possibilities for symbolism.

Being held captive can symbolize that you are backed into a corner. It might relate to a situation you are forced into by someone else, or a situation in your life. You might feel like you are a captive in a relationship or to a job. But also consider the likelihood that you are the source of your captivity because of attitudes, beliefs, fear, thoughts, feelings, or ignorance. You might be too introverted, captive to a life of isolation from other people, or in denial about your dissatisfaction. Or perhaps you believe that your life is restricted or limited. The monotony and limited horizons are getting to you. Or you are a captive of your strict morality, inhibitions, or duties. The question to ask yourself is, what can't you escape from?

The dungeon further defines the symbolism because it is a dreary place. Perhaps your life is dreary or mundane or just feels like a trap from which you can't escape. The part about breaking free of restraints can symbolize freeing yourself of whatever is restraining you.

My guess is the two other prisoners with you represent parts of yourself. It says to me that whatever is restraining you began at the age you are in the dream. Think back on that time of your life and ask yourself what began then that is still affecting you now. It is something you are trying to free yourself from.

The warden represents the side of yourself or the situation that is keeping you captive. There is something about Turkington that you also see in yourself. The home improvement store setting can symbolize the improvements you are trying to make to yourself. Your home is your body, your mind, your life. The Turkington character, therefore, is the part of yourself that is holding you back. Your battle with him acts out the battle you are having with yourself to change yourself or the situation. The bomb might symbolize "blowing your chances" or something like that. It's a form of internal sabotage.

Your dream has some powerful and telling symbolism. My suggestions are only suggestions -- only you know what the dream really means. But let me know if anything I've suggested rings a bell. Would be interesting to know how the dream relates to your life.

/r/Dreams Thread