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Explanation and Analysis:
In "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," F. Scott Fitzgerald presents his reader with a classic coming-of-age narrative. It’s a story about a young person learning what’s important to her, as the narrative tracks the growth of Bernice from a young woman burdened with insecurities to one who can think and act for herself. This genre of story tracks the changes a character undergoes in their journey from youth to adulthood, which—in this case—is condensed into this short section of Bernice’s life. Her bold decision to cut her hair into a fashionable bob—whether or not she ever really intended to—is both a commentary on the effects of peer pressure and a statement about her progress towards adult autonomy. This genre traditionally explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Here, Bernice’s transformation is both literal, with her change in appearance, and figurative, as she defies Marjorie’s tyranny and takes matters into her own hands.
The story also falls into the genre of social satire, like much of Fitzgerald’s other writing. He casts a critical eye on the empty pursuit of status that girls like Bernice and Marjorie are compelled to engage in, and the superficial nature of social interactions among the elite of a small town. By detailing Bernice’s radical change, Fitzgerald satirizes the ridiculous, unreasonable standards placed on women. When something as simple as a haircut can make Bernice feel as though she has ruined her life, it is clear that all is not as it should be. Through this and many other small matters that get blown out of proportion, Fitzgerald critiques his contemporary cultural and social practices through exaggeration and humor. The narrative takes aim at the period’s social dynamics, highlighting how inherently contradictory the expectations women were forced to meet really were.
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