What is the importance of dreams in the novel, Winter?

Throughout the novel, dreams often symbolize the characters’ suppressed fears and desires for intimacy. Art’s Christmas Eve dream is particularly elaborate; in it, “he is being chased by giant monstrous flowers” (151) into a church, and he ends up frozen inside a knight’s coffin as the descend upon him. While he dismisses it by wryly wondering what Freud would say, even thinking “It’s the dregs, really, to be living in a time when even your dreams have to be post-postmodern consciouser-than-thou” (158), the dream clearly reflects his anxiety of being turned on by those whom he loves. His dismissal is an attempt to deny the emotional crisis caused by his breakup. However, as a later memory of Sophia’s indicates, dreams are closely entwined with intimacy in Art’s life. Though she herself sees herself as a neglectful mother, she recalls with fondness comforting Art with hot chocolate after a bad dream. Their closeness in this moment is never repeated, but it is enough to stay with her many years later.