FORMALIST

CRITICISM ON
“WINTER DREAMS”
GROUP 3
Formalist Criticism
Formalist criticism is a literary theory and approach that
focuses on the internal elements of a literary work,
emphasizing the form, structure, language, and other
inherent features rather than external factors such as the
author's biography or historical context.
 INTRODUCTI
ON
“Winter Dreams” written by F. Scott Fitzgerald an American short fiction, delving
readers to a world where dreams and wishes intersect with harsh facts of reality.

The story's structural and linguistic features form a complex tapestry that
emphasizes its complex themes and emotional relevance.
 01
PLOT
 PLOT

Fitzgerald's plot in "Winter Dreams" is well constructed, tracing the rise and
fall of the protagonist, Dexter Green. The narrative structure adds to the overall effect
of the story by carefully selecting events and sequencing them in a way that creates a
sense of inevitability. The plot's symmetry and economy highlight the main topics and
character development.
02
SETTING
 SETTING

The story begins just before the 1920s in the fictional town of Black Bear,
Minnesota. The story is mostly set at the Sherry Island Country Club where Dexter
Green works. The story takes place over several years, following the protagonist,
Dexter Green, from his youth to adulthood. The town is described as picturesque,
with elegant houses, manicured gardens, and a country club where the wealthy
residents socialize. Fitzgerald's detailed descriptions of the physical surroundings
create a vivid and immersive experience, enhancing the reader's engagement with
the story.
 03
CHARACT
ERS
 CHARACTERS
Dexter Green, the protagonist in the story embodies a passionate,
ambitious, and a gullible guy. Is completely in love with Judy Jones, the antagonist
of the story is a wealthy and charming young woman which Dexter meets while
working as a caddie at a golf club. Dexter's obsession with Judy serves as an
inspiration in his life, leading his decisions and actions as he strives to acquire her
love and fit in with her wealthy group. His eagerness to excel and rise in regards to
the social status motivates him to attain wealth by selling the laundry chain at a cost
and takes his money to New York, where he becomes a great investor.
 04
THEME
 THEME

The narrative central themes are chasing dreams, feeling disappointed,

and realizing the consequences of being too obsessed. It shows how Dexter Green
wants success and loves Judy Jones, but learns that reaching his goals might not
make him happy in the end.
05
CONFLICT
 CONFLICT
The conflict arises from Dexter Green's struggle within himself, where he balances his
desire for success with his need for love and fulfillment. Throughout the story, Dexter battles
between his dreams of achieving wealth and status and his longing for genuine happiness and
meaningful relationships. His infatuation with Judy Jones, a symbol of wealth and sophistication,
becomes a central point of this conflict. Despite knowing that Judy may not share his feelings,
Dexter becomes fixated on winning her affection. This inner conflict intensifies as Dexter realizes
that his relentless pursuit of material success might leave him feeling empty and unhappy.
Ultimately, Dexter's inner conflict highlights the theme of the story: the clash between ambition
and personal fulfillment.
06
MOOD
 MOOD

The author made the narrative with the mood that shifts to hope and
despair. As Dexter realizes time is slipping away and his dreams might not come
true. Fitzgerald uses vivid descriptions and touching writing to create this feeling,
making readers think about how our hopes can be fragile and time keeps moving
forward no matter what.
07
TONE
 TONE
The tone of that story is longing, love, occupied, melancholic, regretful, hopeless and
many others. Longing because Dexter decided that he would really leave being a caddy in their
club just so he could experience being rich that he started in the laundry business that he grew
and became prosperous. Love because he was captivated by the beautiful Judy Jones and she fell
in love with him as if he valued her more than his business. Occupied because he thought Judy
Jones's feelings for him were true during the days they were together. Melancholic part of the
story is that Dexter's dream of getting and owning Judy Jones was not fulfilled because of the
woman's cheating on him. Regretful because of his love for Judy Jones, he seems to have been
blinded to the fact that Judy Jones will really use him so he decided to end their relationship. And
uneasy because of the karma happening in Judy Jones's life which is unbelievable for Dexter. It
seems that he still feels bad for his previous loved one.
CONCLUSIO
N
 CONCLUSION

To summarize this literary critique, the author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s attention to detail
towards the plot, setting, characters, theme, conflict, mood, and tone contributes greatly towards
the story’s impact to the audience and literary significance. The flow of the elements shapes the
narrative and contributes harmoniously to the overall impact.
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