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Analysis of Literary Techniques in “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1. What does the simile in the expression “poor as sin” suggest about characters’ possible motivations in
this society?
2. Look back at the description of seasons in the first column on p. 588.
a. Describe the mood of winter and how it makes Dexter feel.
b. Why do you think the story’s title is “Winter Dreams”? What significance does it hold?
3. Re-read the description of Judy in the paragraph on p. 588 that begins “The little girl…” On p. 589, re-read
the sentence near the top of p. 589 that begins “The smile again—”.
a. Direct characterization: What qualities about Judy do we learn directly?
b. Indirect characterization: What qualities about Judy can we infer from the narrator’s descriptions
and her behavior on the golf course? (Look back at her actions on p. 589 for help)
4. Find the example of personification near the top of p. 591. How does it enhance the description?
5. Dexter’s feelings toward Irene (the woman to whom he becomes engaged) are described using a series of
metaphors (p. 597).
a. List the metaphors and explain what they might mean (does not need to be in complete
sentences)
6. When Dexter runs into Judy at the University Club, note the imagery that Fitzgerald uses. What
symbolism can you find in the description of Judy’s appearance? (p. 597)
7. We’ve identified the point of view as third person limited. Imagine that the story was written from a first
person point of view with Judy telling the story. How might the story be different?