Sample Research Paper On Symbolism In Fitzgerald’s “Winter Dreams

“Winter Dreams” is Fitzgerald’s sketch of a disillusioned perception of the American Dream of wealth and the impact this dream has on relationships. But, Fitzgerald does not make this idea simple to understand. He uses symbols such as the winter dreams, the golf balls, the east coast to the west coast, and the boat to bring across his message to his readers. The story reflects the life of Dexter Green and his ambitions to become a part of an exclusive world. The perfect world for Dexter is symbolic of a high status and wealth. Dexter dream is to have Judy’s love, but she dreams of the perfect world for Dexter. Fitzgerald makes use of the element of symbolism throughout the short story “Winter Dreams” to characterize his theme.
Mangum notes “during his lifetime only a handful of serious critics conscientiously debated Fitzgerald's artistic development,” (Mangum, par. 1) and his ability to integrate symbolism into his works. In fact, the title “Winter Dreams” offers the first element of symbolism in the story as it adds intensity to the story through the theme of the unhappy, but wealthy lifestyle. The readers see the changes and aging in Dexter’s life implied in the word “winter.” Additionally, winter suggests that the changes in Dexter’s life show a transition that is far more tragic than Dexter’s physical deterioration. Towards the end of the story, the reader realizes that Dexter’s emotions are similar to the coldness that one associates with winter. The term “winter” is symbolic in two ways in the story: one, Dexter’s physical structure deteriorates with time, and two, Dexter’s feelings and mood turn icy cold because he suffers a broken heart.
The character of Judy is symbolic in the story as she represents beauty and the hope in Dexter’s life. Still, Judy’s role is complex as she inspires him, but she has a negative impact on his life because of the bitterness she feels inside. Fitzgerald uses Judy to show Dexter’s winter dreams. He needs her approval of the American Dream gives him hope, but “The dream was gone. Something had been taken from him,” (Winter Dreams, p. 435) when his relationship ends. The reader first sees Dexter’s dreams through his concerns for the lifestyle of the rich. The idea that being wealthy gives opportunities manifests itself in the idea that “he wanted not association with glittering things and glittering people-he wanted the glittering things themselves” (Winter Dream, p. 423). The “glittering things” symbolizes the ideal lifestyle and Dexter craves this lifestyle.
Another powerful symbol in the story is the boat at the Sherry Island Golf Club. Fitzgerald uses the boat to symbolize the luxury that Dexter dreams of constantly. Additionally, the boat symbolizes that life becomes empty after too much indulgence. The boat is a symbol for Judy as it represents an escape from reality. The boat offers freedom as it is fast and her admirers cannot catch her. In fact, Judy suggests that the boat is her haven that gives her the satisfaction of escaping the oppressive affections of the men who want her. “Winter Dreams “is one of the few Fitzgerald stories obviously set in and around White Bear Lake, the summer playground of Saint Paul's elite,” (F. Scott Fitzgerald, n.p) and shows Dexter as a servant, who rises above his poor economic standing. The story reflects the destruction of the American Dream and the symbols that represents these dreams.
The golf balls are a part of the elite world of the country club and symbolize the dangers of an idle life. The symbolism of the golf balls is clear as it reflects the enjoyment of the upper – class in the society. Dexter’s self-made wealth puts him in the society that he once dreamed of when he was just middle – class boy. When he enters the world of Judy Jones, Dexter unconsciously sacrifices himself for the white golf balls that once symbolize his dreams. Judy is the symbol of light in Dexter dark and poor world and the author reminds his reader underneath the leisurely life of the upper-class, there is danger.
The East Coast and the Midwest are symbols of the American mythology of the self-made man. Fitzgerald suggests that individuals can make a lot of money in American and fail to live perfectly. Some critics believe that the East Coast symbolizes high finance and old money and the Midwest symbolizes ambition and energy. Dexter is from Minnesota, yet he attends an elite school in the East in order to gain social status and attain the symbolic American Dream. Still, Dexter achieves the ultimate success when he goes to Wall Street in the Big Apple. Nonetheless Fitzgerald shows that symbolism of the Midwest is clear as Dexter shows he is “the rough, strong stuff from which [the upper class in the United States] eternally sprung" (Winter Dream, Chapter 3).
In concluding, Fitzgerald uses symbolism to show that there are a number of problems associated with success and love. The most outstanding symbol lies in the title as winter is a cold occurrence that manifests itself in the harsh realities that Dexter faces in love and his physical self. The readers see that winter is more than the literal physical coldness, but is also a time that shows Dexter in a melancholy mood. The golf balls and the boats symbolizes the life of the rich that Dexter craves, but when winter passes, the freedom of being rich gets lost as the gates close. In essence, Fitzgerald makes remarkable use of symbolism to teach his readers that happiness can be a cold experience.

Works Cited

Bryant Mangum, "F. Scott Fitzgerald: American Novelist and Short Story Writer, Reader's Guide
permission of Fitzroy-Dearborn Publishers. 
F. Scott Fitzgerald September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940, Viewed at
http://people.brandeis.edu Accessed February 16, 2015