# I: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes explained — Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

> Chapter companion for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos.

## What happens

Lorelei begins her diary on March 16th, encouraged by a senator friend. She reflects on her relationship with Mr. Eisman, who educates her, and her desire to improve her mind. She recounts a quarrel with Dorothy over calling Mr. Eisman by his first name, a failed luncheon plan with Coocoo, and a literary evening at her apartment. On her birthday, Mr. Eisman initially gives a small diamond but later presents a beautiful bracelet. She also mentions meeting English novelist Mr. Gerald Lamson, who takes an interest in her writing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Materialism and Transactional Relationships

Lorelei's relationship with Mr. Eisman is based on financial support for her education in exchange for companionship; she measures his affection by the size of the diamond bracelet.

### Education and Self-Improvement

Lorelei values improving her mind through literary salons and writing, though her education is funded by Mr. Eisman.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Lorelei pretends to have a brother with mumps to avoid Coocoo, and she presents herself as a serious authoress while relying on her looks and charm.

## Character check-ins

### Lorelei

Narrator and diarist; reflects on her education, relationships, and literary aspirations.

### Dorothy

Lorelei's friend; introduces Coocoo and quarrels with Lorelei about calling Mr. Eisman by his first name.

### Gus Eisman

The Button King from Chicago; financially supports Lorelei's education and gives her a diamond bracelet for her birthday.

### Mr. Gerald Lamson

English novelist who takes an interest in Lorelei's writing and gives her books by Conrad and his own novels.

### Coocoo

English lord (Lord Cooksleigh) who invites Lorelei to luncheon; she avoids him by claiming her brother has mumps.

### Lulu

Lorelei's maid; helps clean up after the literary evening and comments on the small diamond.

## Key lines

> I mean it is no wonder that I can write.

Lorelei prides herself on her imaginative ability to invent excuses, which she believes makes her a good writer.

_Reflects her self-awareness and playful confidence in her storytelling._

> Gentlemen always seem to remember blondes.

Lorelei believes that her blonde hair makes her memorable to men, linking her appearance to social advantage.

_Highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality and gender dynamics._

> I always say that a girl never really looks as well as she does on board a steamship, or even a yacht.

Lorelei thinks women appear most attractive while on a ship or yacht, associating travel with glamour.

_Connects to her interest in novels about ocean travel and her own aspirations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gentlemen_prefer_blondes_se/chapters/i-gentlemen-prefer-blondes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gentlemen_prefer_blondes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gentlemen_prefer_blondes_se/chapters