Bernice Bobs Her Hair

As the title would suggest, Bernice’s hair and its transformation are of particular interest as a narrative motif. Dark hair, like Bernice’s, is sometimes associated with a temptress archetype, one who leads a romantic partner to downfall. In this case, though, rather than leading Warren or another suitor astray, the beauty and desire associated with Bernice’s hair contribute to her own downfall. Once her hair is cut, the significance of what is lost becomes clear. Before the cutting, Bernice’s face had a “Madonna-like simplicity” (377), meaning Bernice had a holiness when she was untouched by social pressures. Once she surrenders to the promises of popularity, that innocence is lost along with her tresses. She responds by cutting off Marjorie’s hair, thus evening the score—perhaps matching downfall for downfall. The act of throwing Marjorie’s hair on Warren’s porch is a statement, one in which Bernice rejects Marjorie’s advice, her social circle, her man, and her imposed values.

Near the end of the story, Marjorie’s hair also adds to the motif. In their final conversation, Bernice watches as Marjorie braids her hair. Two associations are made in this passage. First, Marjorie looks like “a delicate painting of some Saxon princess” (11). The idea of a painting fits the issue of externally admired beauty, something that is sought and lost through the story. The Saxon princess also calls back the theme of Shifting Feminine Identity in the Early 20th Century. Marjorie, though very much in line with Jazz Age, liberated femininity, has not embraced every aspect of Jazz Age fashion, such as short hair. She can pick and choose what trends to follow, but she doesn’t allow Bernice the same individuality. Secondly, Marjorie’s hair becomes “like restive snakes,” and Bernice becomes a “relic” transfixed in watching them (11). This imagery likens Marjorie to Medusa, a Greek mythology figure who had snakes for hair and could turn onlookers into stone with her gaze. Similarly, the strength of Marjorie’s gaze—which symbolizes social pressure—paralyzes Bernice and leaves her unable to act in her own best interest.