Winter Dreams by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1. Find out a little about F. Scott Fitzgerald's background. How does this
background play an important aspect in his story Winter Dreams?
2. Historical context is also a key factor in many works of fiction. Research the
historical context of this work and discuss its influence in the story.
3. Identify the narration of Winter Dreams. What kind of narration is it? Be specific.
Write down some key lines that help you identify what type of narration this is
and from whose perspective we view the story.
4. Social status is also an important aspect Fitzgerald's story. What are some of the
various kinds of social status that exist? Are they the same today as they would
have been back in Fitgerald’s day? What are some of the factors that might dictate
to what social class one belongs?
5. Analyze Fitzgerald's writing style. What are some literary techniques he uses and
what dimension do they add to the story?
6. Setting is often a key element, even more so in short stories than in novels.
Discuss what influences the setting has on Winter Dreams. Remember setting
includes location, time, date, season, etc.
7. Characterization can be extremely focused in a short story, often down to one or
two main characters. We often learn about characters by their actions. Compare
and contrast the characters of Dexter Green and Judy Jones. In what ways are they
alike? In what ways are they different? Compare what you believe to be each
one's "dream."
8. Characterization is also revealed in what another character thinks about others.
Compare and contrast the way we view Judy Jones and Irene Sheerer according to
how Dexter feels about them. What words and adjectives and feelings does he use
associate with each? Which one does he really love?
9. Pick out one item in the short story that might be symbolic and explain its
symbolism and importance to the theme of the story.
10. Our theme for this unit has been "The American Dream" and the title of this story
is Winter Dreams. What are Dexter's dreams in the beginning? How do his
dreams change by the end of the story? What is the significance of the title?