Foreshadowing In Winter Dreams

Empty Dreams In the book Winter Dreams by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main character, Dexter Green, chases unattainable ambitions of success, wealth, and the “ideal” woman. Throughout the book Dexter struggles with his ever changing, empty dreams. Although at first glance the reader might assume Dexter is solely trying to pursue the ideal woman, Judy Jones, a more in depth look reveals that through the attempt to obtain Judy’s affection, Dexter is trying to achieve the greater symbol she represents. Judy parallels a vast symbol of being born into privilege, affluence, and the embodiment of the “American Dream.” Through use of numerous troupes including foreshadowing, metaphors, and symbolism the narrator suggests to the reader that all of Dexter’s

The narrator introduces Judy’s character with the implication that she is the motivation behind Dexter quitting his job. This is followed closely by the foreshadowing of Dexter’s hopeless pursuit of Judy, stating she was the type of girl who is “…destined after a few years to be inexpressibly lovely and bring no end of misery to a great number of men” (Fitzgerald 1). By stating Judy is going to be the type of woman that will bring misery to men, the narrator suggest that Judy will only bring Dexter unhappiness. Each time the two interact, Dexter alters his dream so that he can have the “American Dream,” a life symbolized by Judy’s. After first meeting Judy, Dexter decided to quit his job and pursue success. Once he achieves financial success his subsequent reunion with Judy changes his “American Dream.” “His heart turned over like the fly-wheel of the boat, and, for the second time, her casual whim gave a new direction to his life” (Fitzgerald 4). This metaphor, of Dexter’s heart and ambitions being like the “fly-wheel of a boat,” show the how quick and easily he changes his dreams. With little thought, Dexter decides his aspiration is no longer financial gain, but Judy’s