1. Symbol of Judy's Presence:
- The tune coming from the piano is associated with Judy Jones, who is playing the piano at the gathering where Dexter first encounters her.
- The tune becomes a recurring motif, representing Judy's presence in Dexter's thoughts and desires throughout the story.
2. Unrequited Desire and Longing:
- The tune symbolizes Dexter's unrequited love for Judy. He is captivated by her charm, beauty, and social status but feels inferior and unworthy of her.
- The haunting melody captures Dexter's longing for Judy and his inability to fully attain or possess her.
3. Escapism and Idealization:
- The tune becomes an escape for Dexter, transporting him to a world of fantasy and desire.
- It represents his idealization of Judy and the unattainable dream of marrying her and achieving the perfect life.
4. Fleeting Nature of Happiness:
- The tune serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of happiness and the ephemeral quality of dreams.
- Dexter's pursuit of Judy, symbolized by the tune, proves elusive, and his dreams eventually fade away.
5. Internal Conflict and Self-Deception:
- The tune reflects Dexter's internal conflict and self-deception. He struggles to reconcile his desires with his own sense of inadequacy and social limitations.
- The tune becomes a symbol of his inner turmoil and his inability to fully confront reality.
Overall, the tune coming from the piano in "Winter Dreams" represents Judy Jones's alluring presence, Dexter's unfulfilled desires, the fleeting nature of happiness, and the protagonist's internal conflicts and self-deception. It serves as a powerful motif that reinforces the themes and emotional undercurrents of the story.