“Winter Dreams” takes place mostly in Minnesota, which is known for its cold, gloomy winters. The title evokes longing for the spiritual rebirth associated with spring: “Winter dreams” look forward to glistening light and warmth amid the dullness of winter.

The story unfolds in the third-person limited perspective of Dexter Green, a young man who aspires to win over the beautiful and seductive Judy Jones. From its outset, “Winter Dreams” draws a distinct contrast between the caddies who are “poor as sin” and Dexter Green, who “only caddie[s] for pocket money” (662). This juxtaposition introduces a key theme of the story: the social significance and power tied to wealth. Dexter’s employment at the club also provides a clue to the content of Dexter’s winter dreams, as Dexter imagines becoming a golf “champion” and gaining the admiration of golf club patrons such as Mr. Mortimer Jones.

Dexter’s dreams of wealth and fame are inseparable from his pursuit of Judy Jones. When Judy is first introduced, she is presented as commanding and controlling. Not only does she mistreat her nanny, but she addresses Dexter condescendingly as “Boy!” Also pertinent is the nanny’s remark that Mrs.