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Section 2
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Winter Dreams, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Class Mobility and the American Dream
Gender and Ambition
Dreams, Happiness, and Reality
Time, Progress, and Repetition
Summary
Analysis
At Judy’s house the next evening, Dexter imagines the wealthy young guests she has probably entertained in her summer room. When she appears downstairs for dinner, he is slightly disappointed in her simple dress and is surprised that there is no butler to announce dinner.
Dexter’s illusions disrupt his ability to enjoy an evening alone with a woman he desires. His relationship with Judy is both determined by and spoiled by his class pretensions.
Themes
During dinner, they talk about his university, “which she had visited frequently during the past two years.” Then, Judy’s mood sours and she reveals that she has just broken up with a young man for not telling her that he was poor. This prompts her to ask Dexter about his class background. He reveals that he is wealthy, which pleases her.
Whereas Dexter had the opportunity to study at an elite university, Judy is only able to visit, probably in the interest of finding a suitable husband among the student body. Her search for a husband has had its disappointments, including a match who was unsuitable because he was poor. Judy decides on which men belong in her life based on how much money they have. Dexter qualifies only because of his recent wealth.
Themes
