Bernice Bobs Her Hair

Amanda Onalaja

February 17, 2010

AP English III – Pd. 2

Ms. Brown

“Bernice Bobs Her Hair” is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The story was written in 1920 during the era of the infamous “Flapper movement”. Flappers were women of the 1920’s who revolutionized the modern woman. They were gutsy, frivolous, and characterized by short skirts and even shorter hairstyles. “Bernice Bobs Her Hair” is a witty snapshot of the trials of a young debutante and her transformation into a jazzy flapper.

The story line of “Bernice Bobs Her Hair” is blatant from the title; however, the conflict within the story shields the author’s motive. Written as a humorous guide to the author’s sister, this story is filled with sarcasm and the taboos of society. Take for example Marjorie Harvey, Bernice’s dynamic cousin, who was characterized as a “gardenia girl” for her extreme popularity. She constantly belittles her unusual cousin, referring to her as a “lame-duck visitor”. Even when readers believe she is truly good at heart for helping Bernice gain society’s approval, jealously rears its ugly head when Marjorie teases Bernice for just being a pawn in her game. Nevertheless, the vicious character that is Marjorie is too common; women like her exist in diluted forms. If not for her undermining Bernice, the rebellious actions of the story’s climax might never had erupted.

There is a hint of ethos in this story in regard to the very character a flapper must possess. In the 1920’s the bob was beginning to become a popular hairstyle, but the reaction to Bernice’s final decision was less than glorified. Hair was a woman’s virtue. When Bernice boasted on the idea of cutting her hair she was idolized, but when the deed was done she was ridiculed. I doubt she looked that bad, therefore I believe the author subtly added his own opinions on the topic of bobbing a woman’s hair. He obviously must have disapproved of it to let his character be mistreated so. Perhaps the author himself disapproved of the flapper movement entirely. It certainly seems to be the case, being as at the story’s ending was less than noble. Just as Bernice flees her relative’s home, she cuts off Marjorie’s hair in retaliation. Why does the author portray this act as a punishment? The short style was meant to uplift women as a catalyst for change; however the author uses this as a backlash for a rather disappointing endeavor. Not only that, but it screams inferences at the portrayal of women; catty and selfish creatures that act on whims and get caught up with petty drama. Nevertheless, if Fitzgerald’s aim was to write an entertaining piece then I believe he accomplished that, despite the story’s contradictions.