“Winter Dreams” Discussion Notes (Advanced) ~ 3.5% of Final Grade Simply write down your thoughts as you read through the rest of “Winter Dreams” – the focus is to have your notes as aid for class participatory oral discussion ‐ NOT to have perfect writing or grammar  Here’s how you’ll get your percentage points (proof in writing): All questions attempted (15?) = 3.5% Most questions attempted (10~14 ?s) = 3% Some questions attempted (5~9) ?s = 2% Less than some (1~4 ?s) = 1% No attempt = 0 1) What is the significance of the title? Why did the author use “winter” instead of “spring”? How do seasons affect Dexter’s life perspective? 2) Describe the significance of the setting of the overall story setting. 3) Discuss the significance of this line: “…Dexter was unconsciously dictated to by his winter dreams.” Are you ever influenced by YOUR winter dreams? 4) Provide some evidence from the story that the theme may be about denial. What is denied? Do you agree this is the theme? Why/ Why not? 5) Find the two descriptions of Judy’s mouth. What are the two descriptions? Are they similar or different? What’s the significance? 6) Here are some examples of descriptive language: a) “sun went down in a riotous swirl.” B) “silver molasses” c) “the moon held a finger to her lips” Match examples a, b, and c to their correct language descriptive in the chart below. Examples Personification Metaphor … In your opinion, what atmosphere do these above descriptions create? 7) Provide a description of Judy as a child. Do you know anyone like her? 8) What does “direction” signify in the line at the end of part II, … “for the second time, her casual whim gave a new direction to his life.” 9) What is the adult Judy like? Give a description. Does she sound like anyone you know? 10) Does Judy lie to Dexter? What happens? Is he ok with it‐ why/ why not? 11) “That old penny’s worth of happiness he had spent for this bushel of content…” What does this phrase mean? Who is it describing? …Would you rather have a penny’s worth of happiness or a bushel of content? 12) Interpret this sentence in your own words: “The dream was gone. Something had been taken from him.” 13) Compare Dexter’s view of autumn in part IV with that at the beginning. Why do you think they’re different? 14) What is the overall symbolism of ‘winter’? 15) What is your overall opinion of Dexter’s choices? Would you act like him, or act differently? Justify your answer.