Student Question

In "Winter Dreams," how does Dexter react to Devlin's news?

Quick answer:

Dexter reacts to Judy's news by breaking down emotionally. He is hurt and angry that she ruined her life.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Winter Dreams," we follow the life of Dexter Green.  The story is told in three different parts and at three different segments of Dexter's life.  When he is 14 the story begins and we meet Judy Jones.  Later in part II Dexter meets Judy again.  He is 23 now and he falls in love with Judy but she plays with his emotions.  She even convinces him to break off an engagement to another woman for her and then changes her mind again.  He isn't angry with her but he decides not to ever love anyone since he can't have Judy.

He goes to war and when he returns we see him again.  He is now 32 years old and back in New York.  He is very successful and one day while discussing business with Devlin he learns that a friend of Devlin's is married to his beloved Judy.  He also finds out that it is a very unhappy marriage and that Judy has let her beauty fail, become an alcoholic, and her life is miserable.  Dexter becomes very upset at this news. He breaks down and has an emotional melt down.  He finally resolves that his Dreams are over.  He says at the end, in reference to Judy;

‘‘now that thing is gone.... I cannot cry. I cannot care. That thing will come back no more.’’

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial