# Bernice Bobs Her Hair explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

## What happens

Bernice, a quiet and conventional young woman from Eau Claire, visits her sophisticated cousin Marjorie in a fashionable Midwestern town. Initially awkward and unpopular, Bernice is coached by Marjorie on how to be more attractive and socially successful. After a series of manipulations and a dramatic haircut, Bernice asserts her independence and leaves town with a newfound confidence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rebellion and Nonconformity

Bernice's decision to bob her hair and later assert her independence represents a rebellion against societal expectations of feminine behavior.

### Ambition and Disillusionment

Bernice's ambition to be popular leads to disillusionment as she realizes the superficiality of the social game.

## Character check-ins

### Bernice

The protagonist, a shy visitor from Eau Claire who transforms under her cousin's guidance.

### Marjorie Harvey

Bernice's sophisticated and manipulative cousin who coaches her in social tactics.

### Warren McIntyre

A local young man who becomes infatuated with Bernice after her transformation.

## Key lines

> Bernice bobs her hair.

Bernice cuts her hair short in the fashionable bob style.

_The central act of the story, symbolizing her transformation and rebellion._

> Marjorie teaches Bernice how to be popular.

Marjorie instructs Bernice on social tactics to attract male attention.

_Highlights the calculated nature of social success in the story._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_16_se/chapters/bernice-bobs-her-hair
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_16_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_16_se/chapters