Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Emily Melz's Discussion Question
In "Winter Dreams", Dexter dreamed of a life with Judy, but his dream didn't come true. In "Leader of the People", Jody dreamed of leading people somewhere himself, just like his grandfather led people westward, but his grandfather told him there is nowhere to lead people to. Both Dexter and Jody had their dreams taken away. What do you think these authors are trying to say about dreams? That they are unrealistic? Are they worth pursuing even if you might fail in the end? Explain.
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2 comments:
I think that in "Winter Dreams," Fitzgerald was trying to show the difference between dreams that are helpful and dreams that are destructive. Dexter's ability to dream big made him extremely successful. But it was also his downfall, because he got too carried away. His dream of a life with Jody led him to break off an engagement with a perfectly fine woman and lose the respect of a lot of people.
In "Leader of the People," I think that Steinbeck was trying to say that while remembering the past is perfectly fine, it's unhealthy to become so wrapped up in the past that we miss out on what is actually happening. Jody looks up to his grandfather and wants to be like him. He wants to lead people to new land the way his grandfather did. But this is impossible, because there is no where else to lead people. Jody could still be a leader, but he'll need to rethink what kind of leader he'll be.
Both authors are suggesting that dreams can be good within reason, but we shouldn't get too carried away or we'll end up disappointed.
^^^Megan Robison. I forgot to put my name in the comment.
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