Here's why:
* Realistic Setting: The story is set in the 1920s, during the Jazz Age, a period of significant social and economic change in the United States. Fitzgerald captures the spirit of the era through his descriptions of wealth, leisure, and social aspirations.
* Realistic Characters: The characters, particularly Dexter Green and Judy Jones, are complex and flawed individuals with realistic motivations and desires. They struggle with love, ambition, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
* Focus on Emotion: The story explores the emotional turmoil of Dexter's pursuit of Judy, his disillusionment with love and life, and the ultimate realization of the fleeting nature of his dreams.
* Theme of Lost Innocence: "Winter Dreams" examines the theme of lost innocence, as Dexter's idealized vision of love and happiness is shattered by reality.
While "Winter Dreams" has elements of romance and even hints of tragedy, its core is rooted in realism. It depicts the complexities of human emotions and the struggles of individuals navigating the complexities of life and love in a rapidly changing world.