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Definition of Tone
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical, and so on. For instance... read full definition
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical... read full definition
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical... read full definition
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of “Bernice Bobs Her Hair” is initially lighthearted and playful, mirroring the frivolous, superficial nature of the social interactions at the heart of the story. This tone aligns with the early scenes in which the social milieu is silly and inconsequential. The narrator’s voice feels dismissive and arch as Fitzgerald’s characters play banal and competitive social games. As the story progresses, however, the tone shifts to feel more serious, especially when Bernice overhears her peers discussing her in less-than-flattering terms. This moment marks a turning point, and the narrator’s voice becomes more intent and less flippant. After the protagonist is called out for lying about intending to get a bob, the narrator engages more deeply with the emotional and psychological impact of social scrutiny on Bernice.
Before the climactic scene at the barbershop, the narrator does not seem particularly aligned with any of the characters. Fitzgerald is fairly critical of everyone in Bernice’s social set, including the protagonist herself. However, when Bernice’s hand is forced into bobbing her hair, the narrator's tone takes on a condemning quality towards Marjorie. This condemnation reflects Marjorie’s manipulative behavior and lays the consequences of Bernice's regret at her feet once the act is done. At the same time, the narrator's knowledge of the situation's superficiality underscores the work’s attitude of disdain toward social norms of beauty and appropriateness.
The tone at the end of the story shifts dramatically once again. When Bernice exacts her revenge and gleefully cuts off Marjorie's braids, the tone becomes adult and ironic. This change reflects Bernice’s own transformation from a passive participant in the social game to an active agent in securing her own opportunities. The irony in the conclusion, as Bernice leaves Marjorie with an even less flattering haircut than her own, points to the ultimate emptiness of the social values that Marjorie embodies and Bernice formerly aspired to.
Related Themes:
