A Dream to Remember
Dreams prove as a powerful, motivating force, propelling an individual forward into real achievements in life. Conversely, dreams can transpire as blatantly artificial. F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Winter Dreams" depicts the story of Dexter Green, a young man who dreams of achievements and works hard in a real, non-illusionary world to win them. His work in this plain, unromantic world brings him ever closer to the dream world he so desperately wants, while at the same time the dreams show themselves as decaying or empty. Unfortunately, this does not cure him of dreaming and does not push him to abandon his dreams in favor of a healthier attitude. When Dexter embodies all of his dreams in the beautiful Judy Jones, her fickle attitude and the inevitability of her aging destroys Dexter's dream world and dries up the source of his achievements. The author, using paradoxes, shows Judy Jones differently through Dexter's eyes, and reinforces the theme of illusion versus reality. F. Scott Fitzgerald uses paradoxes frequently in "Winter Dreams," thus endowing characters such as Judy Jones with a deeper meaning. When Fitzgerald introduces Judy Jones, a young obnoxious girl, he describes her appearance as pretty yet two-folded: "Beautif
Dexter pictures Judy Jones differently. The illusion of another life dissolves when he learns people change, therefore forcing him to face reality. Next, Dexter has dinner with Judy and feels very strongly towards her. Dexter's dreams contrast with his reality; he slowly burns out, loses his dreams, and sees reality. Also, Dexter ignores other opinions concerning Judy's character even after he cheats on Irene Sheerer: "Dexter was at bottom hard-minded,. kisses that were like charity, creating want by holding back nothing at all" (593). Lastly, after Judy's surprising return into Dexter's life, Judy chuckles regarding Dexter's reply concerning her absence, "' What a remark!' Judy laughed sadly-without sadness" (599). Throughout the story Dexter runs into Judy Jones on several occasions, and each time he has different feelings about her. Later in his life, Dexter sees her another way. With the use of paradoxes Fitzgerald tells unique situations memorably. Scott, "Winter Dreams," as quoted in Elements of Literature: Fifth Course, Kathleen Daniel, Austin, Holt, Reinhart, and Winston, 1997, p.
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Acceptance Essays
