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 …

…forcing him to face reality. Fitzgerald uses paradoxes to change Dexter’s attitude towards Judy Jones and reveal the theme illusion versus reality. This theme, along with the idea of the American Dream, shows importance today. Many people confuse fantasy with reality as Dexter does; sometimes it ends badly instead of leading to success in life. However, dreams always guide reality; knowing the difference between illusion and reality makes all the difference in the outcome.